What characterizes "cask strength" whiskey?

Cask strength whiskey is characterized by being bottled straight from the cask without any dilution. This means that it has not been altered from its original state as it was aged in the barrel, retaining all of its natural flavors and alcohol content straight from the aging process. As a result, cask strength whiskey often has a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to other whiskeys that are diluted before bottling.

This characteristic allows enthusiasts to experience the whiskey in its purest form, showcasing the intensified flavors and aromas developed during maturation. Many aficionados appreciate cask strength whiskeys for their robust and complex profiles, which can vary greatly from one cask to another due to factors such as wood type, previous contents of the cask, and the specific climate in which the whiskey was aged.

While other options may describe different aspects of whiskey production or presentation, they do not align with the specific nature of cask strength whiskey. Bottling after aging or with dilution suggests some form of alteration to the original product, and adding flavored additives would certainly change the nature of the whiskey. Therefore, the unique quality of being unaltered from the cask is what distinctly characterizes cask strength.