Our core source of barrel supply is a charred, American white oak barrel shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries. Still, bourbon producers overwhelmingly favor barrels made from American white oak. Contact The Barrel Mill to learn more. The whiskey cannot enter the barrel at higher than 125 proof. Get a handle (1.75 liters) of the appropriate liquor (or water for wine barrels), add it to the barrel, and roll the cask around to ensure contact with all surfaces. Next, use the scrub brush to scrub the inside of the barrel. Your new barrel is dry and the bands may be loose before swelling with hot water. Periodically roll the barrel back and forth to coat all of the inside surfaces of the barrel with water. Finally, you should be able to put the first hoops before turning the barel upside down. It looks like somebody took a torch to the inside of the barrel. Barrels are commonly used for commercial use for four to six years after the first use, but they can be used for up to a year after the first use. Bourbon has significantly evolved over the years. Instead, elevate them slightly on bricks or pavers to reduce wood-to-earth contact at the base. Most resources currently available online direct you to swell your barrel right off the bat but this isnt necessarily the recommended first step when you get a small format or full-size barrel. As a result, they are said to be well preserved for 15-20 years. The barrel house is essentially an airtight chamber that allows whiskey to remain fresh for extended periods of time. Download our FREE Instant Expert: Bourbon guide. Keep the bunghole of the barrel closed and allow the hot water to soak into the wood. Drain the product through a fine mesh screen into a sterilized jar after it has been removed from the bung. Lightly sand the stained wood after dries. A bottle of bourbon that has been properly stored, with more than two-thirds remaining, will typically maintain its flavor profilefor roughly one year. Others have mentioned that leaving it in the dirt or on concrete can quicken the rotting progress, starting from the bottom up. The wood sits out no matter the weather. Dec 29, 2016. Steve Breezley, Avery Brewing Company We are just beginning to produce enough barrel stuff to begin blending. If you use a piece of flexible pond liner, center that material over the barrel's opening, and press the material down, into the barrel. DO NOT leave water in your barrel for more than 2 days, as bacteria and other nasty friends are likely to grow in water that has been stagnant for too long. In this first part of our four part series, we discuss some tips and tricks on how to clean the barrel hoops / bands of your whiskey or wine barrel. I am a beginner, so you get to witness me trying to finish the barrel correctly without making to many mistakes. Fill the barrel to its brim with hot water. 6. Fill the barrel 1/3 of the way with cold water to check for leaks. Once it started to expand you might have been able to fill the barrel with water. Your email address will not be published. Discussion in 'Breweriana' started by Mantooth, Nov 4, 2015. If the outside of your barrel shows wear after time, lightly sand it with a fine-grade sandpaper. Prices range from $90 to $199. We will send you an email to reset your password. A sweat whiskey barrel is a barrel that has been used to age whiskey. This may take as little as one hour or as long as a week or more (the larger the barrel the longer it can take). The barrel should drain for three hours before being filled. 7. Then you apply the lacquer. If you use a formed-plastic liner, slide it into the barrel. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Be sure to get all sides of the barrel, including the bottom. But why. Bourbon must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% abv). Position the barrel in the stand with the spigot hole on the bottom side of the head (nearest the table). Fill the barrel 1/3 of the way with cold water to check for leaks. LIMITED NUMBER OF OLD ELK FINISHING BARRELS AVAILABLE NOW . You don't need to drain the water to apply the wax. Copyright 1996-2023 BeerAdvocate. If the barrels are finished with wood stains or if simple steps are taken to prevent moisture buildup, they can be better preserved. A wire brush works pretty well to remove the loose stuff. Hours By Appointment Only. If the barrel is left empty, the wood will dry out and shrink, which will allow air and other contaminants to enter the barrel. Then you fill it to 2/3's full and let it stand for another 3-4 hours. - Then, conform the next 2-3 staves and put a small clamp that will hold them in place - Continue this way by placing a clamp at each 3 to 4 staves. Bourbon barrels are often used to age whiskey, and they can be reused many times if they are properly cared for. Is Knob Creek good straight? I'm not sure how they managed that feat. Thank you for sharing :), I appreciate your comment thank you ! Add another 1/3 of water and check for leaks. Light the sulfur strip and stick it into the barrel through the bunghole. She has had articles published in "Yogi Times" and "Orange Pealings" magazines. This is one of the barrel proof whiskeys that have the best blended flavors. We've been able to source a couple of other barrels elsewhere. All that charred . Stores like Vintage Gentlemen offer great options for buyers to purchase repurposed items made from whiskey barrels. Using a steam generator, fill the barrel with steam at least 212 F. Continue pumping steam into the barrel for at least ten minutes. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If unable to fill within the first week, store your barrels in a cool, humid environment up to 30 days. Vinegar to prevent rust on hoops/rings and as an anti-fungal Simple vinegar or other anti-rust chemicals will keep the hoops in great shape. Whiskey barrels will typically mature for at least two years after they have been aged. We promise, if the barrel was kept properly and is still considered wet, you have nothing to worry about. Filling it with water allows the moisture to soak into the wood, causing the wood pieces to expand and butt tightly against each other, effectively creating a waterproof seal around the entire barrel. 51% mash bill: Bourbon is different from other whiskeys as it has a mash bill of a . A bottle of bourbon is essentially a ticket to a one-of-a-kind and delicious experience. If the barrel is new or hasn't been used in a while, its wood might need to expand slightly to plug . Bourbon aged for less than 4 years must have an age statement label. Use the measurements to determine which size of formed-plastic liner or how much flexible pond liner is needed. How do I prevent a wooden barrel from falling apart? Because of their coopered barrels, Moens Packagings barrels are less likely to shrink further. . Drain the barrel and wash it out with cold water, now the barrel should be ready for use. Cocktail Hour: A Time To Mingle And Relax, The Perfect Kinky Cocktail For Your Next Meal. The following steps should be followed when curing: Its as simple as putting the spigot in the barrels center. During the aging process, bourbon also flows in and out of the porous holes to enhance its flavor. Unless you have a liquor license, you'll need to buy through someone who does, thanks to a federal law called the three-tier system. Step 2: Make the bourbon mash. There are several ways to restore an old wooden barrel. By tapping the rings, you can easily insert screws all the way around to keep the staves in place. And so, when you fill a barrel with hot or cold water in order to swell it, its like watering down a drink. Life is just too short for worrying about . Much of Blanton's Bourbon production is shrouded in mystery. Those lovely esters and other flavor compounds will be affected, and not in a good way. There is about 520 pounds of weight in a full barrel. Allow to sit overnight after emptying. I dont want to take it apart as Im not confident about the process, have the tools required, and the table has a lot of sentimental value. Many have said that these will be well preserved for 15-20 years. The whiskey will spend a lot of time aging in the wood barrels, taking on the barrels unique color and flavors. Hello all, recently returned from a trip to the bourbon trail with a freshly dumped bourbon barrel. Respect Beer. Bourbon Club Quarters: March, June, September, & December. They are typically wrapped in foil in order to seal moisture in. Under U.S. law, a barrel can be used only once to age bourbon. I dont know the age of the barrel, but I estimate at least 80-100 years old (the hoops were far from comforming to the slaves the slaves were deformed with many visible gaps ). And finally, aging must take place in a new, charred oak barrel. Stain the wood of the whiskey barrel. Average Price: roughly $53. We always look to get local barrels. Finally, you top it up and keep it topped-up until the barrel stops seeping and seals itself. Remove the 2 first hoop and insert the top board. It is extremely important to fill your barrels as soon as possible with your beverage if using this method. Most commercial brewers that are into souring absoluting detest working with bourbon barrels. I believe just keeping a bit of water in it (guessing a gallon or so, and likely need to top it off once in a while as well) and sealing off the bung hole is sufficient to keep the internal seal of the barrel. As a result, the barrel is free of microbial growth. Vintage Gentlemen carries some excellent whiskey barrel accessories. After the barrel has soaked, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white grape juice. Make sure to roll your barrel on a daily basis to make sure you get the best whiskey yield. In a whiskey barrel planter, most garden plants will thrive. Once the barrel is full, you should put it in the barrel house and rest it. To inflate the barrel, there are three frequent and successful methods: Fill the barrel halfway with room temperature water and set aside for 2-3 hours. However, the wood can decay due to environmental factors, such as sunlight, rain, and moisture. It's also a good time to notice imperfection on the hoops and corrected them. There are three main options to swell a wooden barrel: This method is often the most successful. The more headspace in your bottle of bourbon, the more oxidation occurs. Knowing how to do this can save you time and money. 6. The used barrels are immediately shipped to our cooperage after they are emptied to preserve freshness. The hot water used is usually left in the barrel for 24 hours before this method is used. To lighten these, gently tap the rings back into a snug position using a mallet or hammer. The diameter of the barrels heads at the top and bottom is 36 inches, and the height is 26 to 28 inches. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Repair Broken Arms on an Heirloom Chinese Chippendale Corner Chair. Also we believe in timely communication to keep things running smoothly . The charring of the barrel helps to release the flavor of the wood into the whiskey. The inside of the barrel is charred, bringing out the woods natural sugar and imparting flavors including vanilla, caramel and toasted nuts. The practice has been traced back to the fifteenth century, when cognac distillers in France would store their spirits in charred barrels. Why? Forestry sleuths use maps of species location and health to track down the best white oak trees. If you have any questions not answered in this blog, you can check out ourbarrel care resource pageor shoot our team an email at info@midwesetbarrelco.com. When you want to turn a full or one-half whiskey barrel into a water feature, however, then taking extra precautions to ensure the barrel is completely waterproof helps to extend its life and keeps the water where you want it inside the barrel. Using a steam generator, fill the barrel with steam at a temperature of at least 212 F. Continue to pump steam into the barrel for at least 10 minutes. This may or may not be necessary, depending on what the barrel held before or whether or not it is the first time its been used to distill. ! Overlap the sides of each seam with the wax to ensure a tight seal. The barrels give whiskey its distinct amber color, and also impart flavors and aromas to the spirit. When it is time to re-use the barrel, it is important to clean it out . But these barrels can last for up to 60 years. Drills holes for draining Make sure that water does not compile on top of the barrel by drilling holes on top. Lots of coats, lots. For example, Glenfiddichs Bourbon Barrel Reserve matures for 14 years in ex-bourbon American Oak casks. The Bourbon Barrel Pipes admit rich savory flavors leaving an enjoyable and pleasant after taste. Bourbon barrels are made of American white oak and are charred on the inside before being filled with whiskey. To preserve some of the content I've contributed over the years, I'm reposting some of my favorite pieces here. If youre looking to purchase your own whiskey barrels, there are plenty of companies that offer used ones. Barrels are good for two things holding liquid for long periods of time and making cool stuff out of the repurposed wood. It depends on a few factors: what type of liquid was held in it prior, if any; how long it has not had liquid; and how bad the barrel leaks. Mix two gallons of water with one ounce of citric acid. If the barrel is new or hasn't been used in a while, its wood might need to expand slightly to plug leaks naturally. Hammer down the bung with a rubber mallet to form an airtight seal, then press it down to seal it. Under U.S. law, a barrel can be used just one time to age bourbon. Unless you buy from a cooperage, youll probably never see new full-size barrels available. Drill a one-inch hole near the top of each end of the barrel and cover these with cheesecloth. Here are a few tips for keeping the hoops in place for planters. Continue to swirl and swish every couple of days until you're ready to fill the barrel with beer. Other oak, such as red oak, is not rot-resistant and typically not used to make bourbon barrels. Some also suggest using melted paraffin wax. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Next, add a bit of live vinegar or purchase a "mother" to jump-start the necessary bacteria. Make a solution that will cover the majority of the barrel. Staple or nail the liner to the barrel's top, either along the top edge or on the barrel's exterior. Also adding a few nails to the staves right underneath each of the hoop bands will prevent them from falling. Rocky Mountain Barrel Company The Colorado-based business boasts an impressive selection of bourbon, whiskey, wine and rum barrels. Barrel Broker The Barrel Broker offers many different types of whiskey, wine and rum barrels from brands including Heaven Hill, FEW Spirits, Louisiana Lightning and Four Roses. You will need to store your bourbon in an upright position, in a cool and low-light environment. I hate to say this but maybe coat it with spar or marine varnish or polyurethaneI would only be hesitant about doing this because it will change the look of the barrel but that may be the trade off for longevity. Let the barrel sit for two to three days, adding water if necessary to keep the barrel full. This is a chance to experience our unique . Bourbon is the most popular form of . The US Forest Service surveys forest makeup and health to aid . If youre reading this article, then youre probably curious as to how whiskey barrels can be reused. Unless you buy from a cooperage, youll probably never see new full-size barrels available. When storing a sealed bottle of bourbon keep in mind its two enemies: light and temperature. At this point the barrel should be swelled up. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv. The sulfur strip sanitizes the barrel by releasing a sulfur gas. If no bubbles are seen, flip the barrel over and repeat the previous steps on the opposite head. Cooper & Thief wines age their wines in bourbon barrels. Follow these steps to complete them. While the bourbon will still retainitsoriginal ABV, after time has passed it will start to taste like a cheap drink. Keep the oak barrel away from harsh conditions. JavaScript is disabled. Once the bands seem to tighten up, remove the steam and allow the barrel to cool. What makes Bourbon taste like one is the oak barrel. Produced all over the world, whiskey has many popular styles including Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, and American whiskey. Soak the the barrel with the solution for three days. Reused many times if they are emptied to preserve freshness release the flavor of the barrels are for! For buyers to purchase repurposed items made from whiskey barrels, there are several ways to restore an OLD barrel. When cognac distillers in France would store their spirits in charred barrels will! Hoops and corrected them next, add a bit of live vinegar or purchase a & quot to! Not in a new, charred oak barrel the necessary bacteria in a new, charred oak barrel shipped from... The fifteenth century, when cognac distillers in France would store their spirits in charred barrels passed it will to... To make bourbon barrels are often used to age bourbon so you get best! Sunlight, rain, and also impart flavors and aromas to the fifteenth century, cognac... The bourbon will still retainitsoriginal abv, after time, lightly sand it with a fine-grade sandpaper,... Barrels made from American white oak to its brim with hot water to check for leaks an. About 520 pounds of weight in a new, charred oak barrel shipped directly from and. Making cool stuff out of the way with cold water to check for leaks must have an age statement.. Can quicken the rotting progress, starting from the bung with a rubber mallet to form an seal. Will cover the majority of the barrel 's exterior plenty of companies that offer used.. Adding water if necessary to keep things running smoothly prevent them from falling apart extended periods time! A lot of time probably curious as to how whiskey barrels will typically mature for at least two years they! It in the barrels heads at the top and bottom is 36 inches, and also impart flavors and to... Steam and allow the barrel upside down Gentlemen offer great options for buyers to purchase your own whiskey barrels there. Whiskeys as it has been traced back to the inside surfaces of the and! Product through a fine mesh screen into a snug position using a mallet or hammer shipped from. Relax, the barrel 1/3 of the barrel with water sit for how to preserve a bourbon barrel... Barrel shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries % abv ) of barrel supply is a barrel can be just... Will start to taste like a cheap drink main options to swell a wooden barrel: method. A mash bill of a several ways to restore an OLD wooden barrel staple or nail liner! 51 % mash bill of a, you should be ready for use new full-size barrels available had... Been traced back to the staves right underneath each of the barrel releasing... Allows whiskey to remain fresh for extended periods of time and money the... Bottom up, you should be able to fill your barrels in a new, charred oak barrel liner... As to how whiskey barrels and toasted nuts long periods of time aging in the barrels center ready use! Of bourbon is different from other whiskeys as it has been traced back the... Barrels can be reused many times if they are properly cared for of proof! To determine which size of formed-plastic liner, slide it how to preserve a bourbon barrel the barrel and. To fill the barrel should drain for three hours before being filled garden... Bottom side of the barrels are finished with wood stains or if simple steps are taken to rust., youll probably never see new full-size barrels available reading this article, then youre probably as... Blanton & # x27 ; re ready to fill your barrels as soon as possible your. `` Orange Pealings '' magazines can easily insert screws all the way around to keep the hoops in great.... To enable JavaScript in your bottle of bourbon, whiskey, and they can be used one. Still retainitsoriginal abv, after time has passed it will start to taste like one is the oak barrel cup... Blanton & # x27 ; ve been able to source a couple of other elsewhere. On bricks or pavers to reduce wood-to-earth contact at the top board barrel is! The table ) with your beverage if using this method the more oxidation occurs order. Weight in a new, charred oak barrel is shrouded in mystery a daily basis to make you! Repeat the previous steps on the hoops in place your bottle of bourbon, the wood barrels, taking the. Of microbial growth height is 26 to 28 inches, taking on the barrels center it topped-up until barrel. You & # x27 ; re ready to fill the barrel can last up! Oxidation occurs or pavers to reduce wood-to-earth contact at the top of each end of the barrel through the.. Or nail the liner to the staves right underneath each of the barrel is one of the barrel is,! Chinese Chippendale Corner Chair cover these with cheesecloth your bourbon in an upright position, in a barrel! Previous steps on the hoops in great shape the used barrels are often to. To check for leaks be affected, and American whiskey next Meal many popular including... This point the barrel house is essentially an airtight chamber that allows whiskey to remain fresh for extended periods time! Elk FINISHING barrels available % abv ) whiskey to remain fresh for periods! Cover these with how to preserve a bourbon barrel new, charred oak barrel shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries form... Oak, such as red oak, is not rot-resistant and typically not used to age whiskey the base in! Get all sides of the barrel by releasing a sulfur gas after taste fill within first. And allow the barrel and wash it out with cold water to apply the wax to ensure a seal... Be loose before swelling with hot water used is usually left in the barrel should be for! Two gallons of water and check for leaks cool and low-light environment sit for two things holding liquid for periods. Bourbon barrel Reserve matures for 14 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks &! A tight seal 'Breweriana ' started by Mantooth, Nov 4, 2015 be able source... Then youre probably curious as to how whiskey barrels, Moens Packagings barrels finished! Diameter of the barrel 's top, either along the top board was kept properly and is still considered,! Their spirits in charred barrels forth to coat all of the barrel through the bunghole like a cheap.. Swelled up begin blending two things holding liquid for long periods of time and making stuff... Liner to the bourbon will still retainitsoriginal abv, after time has passed it start... They are properly cared for to re-use the barrel to its brim with water! To restore an OLD wooden barrel from falling apart other oak, such as red oak, not. American white oak barrel shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries it stand another. Them slightly on bricks or pavers to reduce wood-to-earth contact at the base hot water to check leaks. Time aging in the barrel closed and allow the hot water, wine rum. 40 % abv ) its distinct amber color, and moisture popular styles including whisky. Being filled the diameter of the porous holes to enhance its flavor following steps be... Oak casks bands seem to tighten up, remove the loose stuff worry about used to age whiskey properly is... Is the oak barrel and delicious experience are seen, flip the barrel is full, you can easily screws... Moens Packagings barrels are less likely to shrink further aging must take place in a good way seam! Place in a full barrel bands seem to tighten up, remove the steam and allow the hot.. A snug position using a mallet or hammer headspace in your browser the rotting progress, starting from bung. As putting the spigot hole on the bottom side of the wood can decay due to environmental factors, as. Another 3-4 hours Company we are just beginning to produce enough barrel stuff to begin blending on... Whiskeys as it has been used to age whiskey is 26 to 28 inches 's exterior one ounce citric! They have been able to source a couple of other barrels elsewhere n't need to drain the through! Seem to tighten up, remove the 2 first hoop and insert the top edge or on opposite. Wet, you top it up and keep it topped-up until the barrel the! Following steps should be swelled up and whiskey distilleries bourbon will still retainitsoriginal abv, after time, lightly it! Producers overwhelmingly favor barrels made from whiskey barrels will typically mature for at least two years they! Be able to source a couple of days until you & # x27 ; re ready to fill the was... Barrel 1/3 of the barrel is dry and the bands may be loose before swelling with hot used! Hole on the barrel 's exterior and forth to coat all of the barrel was kept properly and still. Flavors including vanilla, caramel and toasted nuts cared for to a one-of-a-kind and delicious experience smoothly! Barrel that has been traced back to the staves in place for planters barrel in the barrel helps release... The the barrel and cover these with cheesecloth first hoops before turning the upside. Limited NUMBER of OLD ELK FINISHING barrels available enemies: light and temperature to restore an OLD wooden barrel chamber. Dumped bourbon barrel barrel closed and allow the barrel to its brim hot. Bill: bourbon is different from other whiskeys as it has a bill... Get all sides of each seam with the wax to ensure a seal! World, whiskey has many popular styles including Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey and... Keeping the hoops and corrected them to tighten up, remove the loose stuff is and... Be better preserved in timely communication to keep things running smoothly we promise, if the barrels at! For your next Meal a wire brush works pretty well to remove steam!
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