Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for accelerating the maturation of an alcoholic beverage including distilled spirits (e.g., whiskey or bourbon). The system and method may comprise assembling a maturation stave from at least one species of wood. The maturation stave may be charred, and the char removed a predetermined number of times. The char may be removed by brushing along the grain of the wood. The maturation stave may then be placed within a container (e.g., a glass bottle) that includes the alcoholic beverage until the distilled spirit has reached a predetermined maturation level (e.g., alcoholic beverage has achieved a given color, smoothness, flavor, or taste). It is also contemplated the container may be heated and cooled a predetermined number of timed-temperature cycles until the alcoholic beverage has reached the predetermined maturation level.