Why Are The Casks Black?

[Barry Sunderland]

I was going through several photographs of Roy's tours to Madeira and Port producers. Why are some of the casks so, so black in color? Are they painted?

The best,
Barry

[Roy Hersh]

I don't remember BLACK casks, however they might appear to be that color due to the fact that frequently the casks in Madeira sit for decades if not longer. They are certainly dark brown though.