Can bourbon be toasted and charred?

So we all know that bourbon has to be aged in a new charred oak barrel, this is one of the core components that gives bourbon that distinctive flavor over other spirits; however, we have also all tried an amazing toasted bourbon, so I got to thinking care there spirits out there that combine these two methods to get the best of both worlds?

In short yes this is possible, and surprisingly to me fairly common. Typically what brands will do is they start by toasting the barrel, if you aren't sure what that process entails check out my article here. After they get that barrel cooked low and slow so the burning affect penetrates deep into the wood they will "finish" the prep process by charring it like more of a traditional barrel.

This will typically lead to a flavor of sweet vanilla and smooth caramel. Overall it leads to very complex and unique flavors. If you find a toasted and charred bourbon you really like, I recommend trying to figure out the process they took to achieve that flavor, it may make it easier to find really great value bourbons you like in the future, and as always make sure you rate it on the worlds best whiskey app NEAT: Whiskey Finder! to share it with your friends!