What is a distilled spirit that has been aged in charred oak barrels called?

Whiskey is the correct term for a distilled spirit that has undergone aging in charred oak barrels. The process of aging whiskey in these barrels not only enhances its flavor profile but also contributes to its color and complexity. The interaction between the spirit and the wood of the barrel allows compounds from the char to filter into the liquid, imparting notes of caramel, vanilla, and various spice elements.

Whiskey production involves specific grains, such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat, which differentiate it from other spirits. The classification of whiskey can also vary based on geographical origins, production methods, and the duration of aging. This aging process is essential to the development of whiskey's unique characteristics, setting it apart from spirits like vodka, which is typically not aged and is meant to be smooth and neutral in flavor. Brandy, while containing aged elements, is primarily made from fermented fruit rather than grains. Rum, on the other hand, is produced from sugarcane or molasses and may also have an aging process, but doesn't typically involve the same complexity and regulations as whiskey. Thus, the aging in charred oak makes whiskey distinct among distilled spirits.