Cask Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cask
[kɑːsk ]
Definitions
container
A large barrel-shaped container made of wood, metal, or plastic, used for storing liquids such as wine or beer.
Synonyms
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| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cask |
Use for storing and aging liquids, especially alcoholic beverages like wine or whiskey. Smaller than a barrel and used often in the context of aging and quality.
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| barrel |
Commonly used for large-scale storage and transport of liquids, particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors. Often refers to containers used for beer, oil, or wine.
|
| keg |
Used for storing and dispensing beer or other beverages, generally for commercial or large social events. Smaller and more portable than a barrel.
|
| vat |
Primarily used for industrial-scale production, fermentation, or storage of liquids, including chemicals, wine, and beer. Large and fixed at production sites.
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Examples of usage
- The wine was aged in a cask for several years before being bottled.
- The brewery received a shipment of empty casks for their next batch of beer.
storage
To store or age (liquids) in a cask.
Examples of usage
- The whiskey is casked for a minimum of five years to enhance its flavor.
- The winery casks their finest wines in oak barrels for a rich taste.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In winemaking regions, casks are often made of oak, influencing the flavor and complexity of the wine.
- Traditionally, casks were used in festivals where drinks were served directly from the barrel, creating communal celebrations.
- Casks symbolize craftsmanship, often made by coopers who have specialized skills in woodworking.
Science
- The fermentation process in casks allows unique chemical reactions, affecting taste and aroma.
- Science has shown that the wood of casks can impact the aging process of beverages, interacting with the liquid inside.
- Studies indicate that different types of wood can impart diverse flavors, like vanilla or caramel, to the stored liquids.
Literature
- Casks appear metaphorically in literature to symbolize confinement or protection, such as in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado'.
- Casks have been used in poetry to evoke nostalgia and memory, often associated with good times and celebrations.
- In stories, hidden treasures are often kept in large casks, symbolizing the secrets or joys awaiting discovery.
Economics
- The cask industry contributes significantly to local economies, especially in regions known for their breweries and wineries.
- Casks can vary in price based on their material and craftsmanship, making them a part of market trade and investment.
- Barrels and casks are often rented or sold in the beverage industry, impacting production costs for wineries and breweries.
Origin of 'cask'
Main points about word origin
- The word stems from the Latin 'caska', meaning a container, reflecting its use as a storage vessel.
- In the Middle Ages, the term evolved in Old French as 'casque', referring to a barrel.
- Casks can come in various shapes and sizes, but they often have a rounded form for pressure distribution.
The word 'cask' originated from Middle Dutch 'cas' and Middle French 'casse', both meaning a case or box. In the 16th century, it specifically referred to a barrel for storing liquids. Casks have been used for centuries to store and transport liquids such as wine, beer, and spirits.