Develops, as bourbon in a barrel

AGES

["Think of how wine or cheese improves over time—the same slow transformation happens to this spirit while it rests in oak. The process is measured in years, not minutes."]

This clue plays on how bourbon changes over time when stored in barrels. "Develops" hints at a process of maturing or growing older, which is exactly what "ages" means—both in general and specifically for whiskey. The word "barrel" reinforces the idea of aging, since that’s where bourbon gains flavor and character as it sits. It’s a straightforward definition with no tricks, just a nod to how time transforms the spirit.