Download our FREE Instant Expert: Bourbon guide. Make sure there is water in the barrel whenever you're not aging something. I'm thinking of shooting for around 8-10% ABV and leave it in the barrel for a whole year. Fill the barrel with water and ice and let it sit for 24 hours. The tribute doesn't exactly come cheap. 05-10-07 Basic Brewing Radio - Aging with Oak. Once upside down, it's time to insert the bottom board before the staves are getting to tight. I had to spend about 6 hours to get through the 21 Staves To remove all surface residues, I had to sand down to a certain depth and from that moment, I figured that the hoops would become too big in circumference to fit the shape of the barrel and respected their original location. At Midwest Barrel, we only sell properly gassed and ozoned wine barrels. Once tightened, drain any water and fill the barrel with cool water to check for leaks. One of the challenges is that over time, like the vast majority of liquids, evaporation happens. 3 years ago I don't think you have to fill the barrels completely. To waterproof wine barrels, soak them in cold water for about a minute, then rinse them out every few days. Take in hand the second hoops and start by fixing with a clamp the first staves on it. Much of Blanton's Bourbon production is shrouded in mystery. One reviewer says that the bands can be quite loose and soaking them in water helped tighten them up. Proprietor's Bourbon County Stout (a spumoni-inspired stout, made with fresh pistachios, cacao nibs and candied Amarena cherries) Birthday Bourbon County Stout (aged in 11-year-old Old Forester . Now, the goal is to make the natural enzymes from the grains break down from the starches. Because of their coopered barrels, Moens Packagings barrels are less likely to shrink further. To be labeled as straight whiskey, the product must be aged at least two years. When the bottom board is in place, stroke the bottom hoops tightly. Lay barrel horizontally on standard barrel rack with bunghole facing up. Use a protective coating While a protective coating may give your barrel a different look than what you want, it can definitely help your barrel last for a long time. This can take anywhere from an hour to a week, depending on the size of your barrel. This means that it's left outside to dry. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Here is a list of some of their coolest items: Bourbon barrels have a lot of great uses after theyve been used to age whiskey. Bourbon must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% abv). It's bourbon, yes, but it's not just bourbon. The Black Tuesday is an imperial stout that is aged in bourbon oak barrels and it is the beer that inspired me to attempt a strong barrel aged beer. The barrel is usually made of oak and has been charred on the inside. There is about 520 pounds of weight in a full barrel. Bourbon barrels are made of American white oak and are charred on the inside before being filled with whiskey. In the morning, add more water and watch for air bubbles. Are the bands loose on your barrel? Fill the barrel 1/3 of the way with cold water to check for leaks. Wide temperature fluctuations and light will create a chemical reaction inerratic compounds that will impact the flavor profile of your bourbon. 5. The sulfur strip sanitizes the barrel by releasing sulfur gas into it. Before oak is made into a bourbon barrel, it needs to go through a process called seasoning. We always look to get local barrels. Ph.D., and Founder of Midwest Barrel Co. Barrel expert. The Barrel Mill A wire brush works pretty well to remove the loose stuff. - 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. - Again, remove the hoops and somewhere somehow, everthing should fall a part ! 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. Cooper & Thief wines age their wines in bourbon barrels. By definition, Whiskey is any spirit derived from fermented grain mashincluding wheat, rye, barley, and corndistilled to no more than 190 proof and then aged in oak barrels. To preserve a bourbon barrel, it is important to keep it filled with whiskey. 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. Light the sulfur strip and stick it into the barrel through the bunghole. This rolling process allows the green beans [which are extremely porous] to soak in the flavor and aromas of the . Proceed in the following manner: To the very top of the barrel, pour in a mixture that consists of cleaning tablets and warm water. Respect Beer. If you see bubbles, allow the water to sit on the head for several more hours to continue swelling the wood. This will ensure that the hoops (also known as rings) will not shift downwards. Pond Liners Online: The Perfect Wooden Barrel Water Feature Lined with a Pond Liner, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, How to Convert a Whiskey Barrel to a Rain Barrel. Reply. Oak barrels must be cared for in a specific way, however, to make a good-tasting spirit. Barrels are good for two things holding liquid for long periods of time and making cool stuff out of the repurposed wood. The staves dry out and shrink. Re-fill the barrel half way with hot water and swish the water around for about 1 minute. In the barrel, fill it with 2 gallons of distilled water. If you put a bung in it, you will not lose it. A good practice will be to prepare yourself by aligning all the staves in order first so you wont need to search for it ! Once it started to expand you might have been able to fill the barrel with water. 3. Some have used a polyurethane coating or a wood deck sealer to protect the barrel. If still leaking, allow the barrel to sit for an additional 1-2 hours. Bourbon barrels are typically made from charred American white oak that has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels. Bourbon has significantly evolved over the years. 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. The Bruery specailizes in barrel aging many of their beers and the Black Tuesday came in this year at a whopping 19.5%ABV. Attach the hose to the spigot and place the other end into the bucket. The diameter of the barrels heads at the top and bottom is 36 inches, and the height is 26 to 28 inches. I am not concerned about the possibility of the bung hole growing nasty things once plugged in, but I am concerned about the possibility of it. Cut some excess liner at the barrel's top with a utility knife. Following the drying process, the barrels are stored for the next time. The Mysteries of Bourbon: How Forestry, Mapping Support a Changing Industry. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv. If no bubbles are present, flip the barrel over and repeat the process. There is no minimum for how long the whiskey needs to be kept in the barrels, with some aged for only 3 months. 6. Allow the barrel to rest for 24 hours. If you use a formed-plastic liner, slide it into the barrel. This can be done by using a barrel mister or by simply spraying the barrel staves with water every few days. The process can take anywhere from six to 24 months. The weight of an empty barrel is 110 pounds. Once you removed the loose char, there still will be enough char left on the stave to let you know that it was once a stave. The pressure of the woods arrangement keeps the barrel watertight. 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. Discussion in 'Breweriana' started by Mantooth, Nov 4, 2015. Mix four ounces of Barolkleen with 1.25 gallons of hot water. After sanding, use a tack cloth to blot excess saw dust. Add your spirits and begin aging them when your barrel stops leaking. There are a few things to keep in mind before committing to a bourbon barrel. Let the barrel sit filled with water for three to five days, or until the barrel swells. Be sure to keep the barrel (s) in an area where the leaking water will . In this third part of our four part refurbishing series, we reveal some different methods on staining, oiling, and sealing your barrel. Good luck, keep us updated. When it . It's rare that I use welding machine so I enjoy the task. Their other wines are aged in different types of barrels, including brandy, tequila and rye whiskey barrels. Want to become a bourbon expert? The Distillery Groove is supported by its readers. Using this method, you should fill the barrel with your favorite liquid immediately after swelling is complete. You will need to store your bourbon in an upright position, in a cool and low-light environment. Allow the barrel to air-dry for at least 24 hours before use. A beginner's guide to finishing a barrel. White oak is incredibly rot resistant. Here are some examples: Basement. A: Barrel-aged coffee [or Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee in this case] is the process of rolling green coffee beans [beans that have not been roasted] in an aged barrel once used for aging wine & spirits [such as bourbon and whiskey]. Periodically roll the barrel back and forth to coat all of the inside surfaces of the barrel with water. If nothing else, it would make for a cool decoration in my basement, or I could make it into a piece of furniture. Be sure to get all sides of the barrel, including the bottom. Some places will let you nab their whiskey barrels for free, while other places will let you purchase them. The Barrel Mill creates premium oak whiskey barrels for quality, consistency, and repeatability in every batch. The high alcohol content aims to indefinitely preserve it by freezing its esters, congeners and volatile alcohols indelayed animation. To allow the wood to swell and moisten after being soaked for three days, used barrels may need to be soaked for up to three days. 4. Once youve got them, you need to make sure that they will fit your needs for decades to come. It is impossible to prevent natural tannins from escaping during varnishing a barrel of wood. Whiskey Barrel Stave Flight Board With Glencairn Glasses, 15 Awesome Items To Add To Your Whiskey Den. What makes Bourbon taste like one is the oak barrel. Whiskey barrels will typically mature for at least two years after they have been aged. A portion of the bourbon will get absorbed into the staves of the barrel, which will in turn impart flavor into the liquid being aged inside the barrel. You are using an out of date browser. There are many great ideas on how to create your own unique barrel-based accessory. Pond Liners Online recommends adding a layer of aquatic compost with a fine layer of grit above that. A used barrel can sometimes require up to three days of water soaking to allow for the wood to swell and moisten. Bogue NC, 28570, TOURS, TASTING, AND A TOUCH OF HISTORY Read on to learn more about how whiskey barrels are made, how you can keep them viable for decades, and cool ideas to repurpose your own barrels. Sometimes distillers add water to lessen the ABv when necessary. Shouldnt it be rinsed out?Not in the least. The barrels are made of oak staves that are held together by metal hoops. This method is great for swelling the joint between the heads and the staves, which is the most common area for leaks. To keep whiskey barrels from drying out, the barrel staves must be kept wet. After you've done that, fill it with hot water and allow it to sit until any leaking stops.This could take a few minutes or a few days. The barrel may also rot due to time. Fill the barrel with hot water (not scalding) and leave it sitting for at least 48 hours with the bung placed at the top (due to the staves not being sealed tightly enough until the curing process is finished, the barrel will leak). Help delay that process by painting the barrel's exterior with a waterproof sealer. Leave at least 6 inches of liner overlapping the barrel's top edge, or top rim. At 93 proof, it is strong but well within the legal range to be considered bourbon. Lightly sand the stained wood after dries. When storing a sealed bottle of bourbon keep in mind its two enemies: light and temperature. How long does it take for a barrel to completely dry? Wooden whiskey barrels often have the most unique flavor profiles. If any seeping is noticed, keep water in the barrels until it subsides. Place them slightly higher on bricks or pavers to reduce contact between the bottom and wood. A number of other businesses, including hot sauce makers, winemakers, and beer brewers, will use Jack Daniels barrels to make their products. Keep the oak barrel away from harsh conditions. This is one of the barrel proof whiskeys that have the best blended flavors. Fill the barrel 1/3 of the way with hot water (+180 F) for two hours. Each of our barrels is expertly handmade and charred based on your needs. The barrels are typically sold so they can be used for other purposes like for aging other types of whiskeys, turned into tables for the local bar or made into planters for someones backyard. Remove the 2 first hoop and insert the top board. The first step is grinding them and then mixing them with water. Lay the barrel horizontally with the bunghole facing up. By. The way barrels are usually stored is with a sanitising solution of metabisulfite and citric acid, I don't know how much they add. This second use makers mark barrel was purchased from a local brewery. The following steps should be followed when curing: Its as simple as putting the spigot in the barrels center. Released twice a year, each offering is aged for seven to nine years in our open-air rickhouses. 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. Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table- River Drive - Free Shipping! The oak flavors will vanish, and the spirits will be contaminated by the varnish. It is best to drill larger holes, about 2 inches in diameter because smaller holes may close up as the staves swell with moisture. After the barrel has soaked, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white grape juice. We also. If still leaking, allow the barrel to sit for an additional 1-2 hours. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Because they are wrapped in foil, they easily seal the moisture in. Hope all this information helps you determine the best choice for your barrel! (even more after 100 years) And dont worries, when it will be in place, the hoops and the staves will keep the boards together tightly ! Then we refilled that barrel with our bourbon to get quite literally our own take on a Honey Barrel. Charring inside makes the wood even more watertight. Contact The Barrel Mill to learn more. I'm not sure how they managed that feat. 7. Make sure to roll your barrel on a daily basis to make sure you get the best whiskey yield. Required fields are marked *. To preserve a bourbon barrel, it is important to keep it filled with whiskey. Whiskey-maker Jack Daniels uses American white oak to make their barrels using 33 separate wood staves. The barrels give whiskey its distinct amber color, and also impart flavors and aromas to the spirit. Most commercial brewers that are into souring absoluting detest working with bourbon barrels. However, to be considered straight whiskey, there is a minimum 2-year aging requirement. For Jack Daniels, oak staves are used to make 33 barrels of whiskey, each of which is made entirely of American white oak. Bourbon aged for less than 4 years must have an age statement label. on Introduction, Oh you're very passionate and taking your time for make it the best way ! And finally, aging must take place in a new, charred oak barrel. This solution can also be used to remove residue from brushes by rubbing it on a brush. Protect the whiskey barrel hoops with tape. 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. Reviewers say that barrels from Lowes last for decades with no noticeable rot. 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. If the barrels are finished with wood stains or if simple steps are taken to prevent moisture buildup, they can be better preserved. Damn I'm so jealous, 85$ for a 53 gallon barrel is the deal of a lifetime, and it's also infused with the best bourbon in the world. Fax: 320-356-9131 And so, when you fill a barrel with hot or cold water in order to swell it, its like watering down a drink. Shipping is limited, and there will be a small shipping and handling fee added to any shipped bottles. Reply Bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels (), and the moment it's out of the barrel, that . Place the whiskey barrel in an area where you don't mind water leaking, such as a corner or your yard or a bathtub. The hot water used is usually left in the barrel for 24 hours before this method is used. Barrel mister or by simply spraying the barrel, it is important to it. But well within the legal range to be kept in the barrel has soaked combine. 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Of bourbon keep in mind before committing to a bourbon barrel, it! Above that time to insert the top and bottom is 36 inches, Founder... Adding a layer of aquatic compost with a waterproof sealer Moens Packagings barrels are made American! Are wrapped in foil, they easily seal the moisture in added any... Impossible to prevent natural tannins from escaping during varnishing a barrel to for! Which is the oak flavors will vanish, and the Black Tuesday came in this year at minimum. Them with water and swish the water to sit for 24 hours before use including the.! Daily basis to make the natural enzymes from the starches out? not in the barrels are made American! And temperature F ) for two things holding liquid for long periods of time and making cool stuff out the! Take place in a cool and low-light environment the spigot and place the other end into the barrel must. Started by Mantooth, Nov 4, 2015 the height is 26 to 28 inches Oh! Prepare yourself by aligning all the staves, which is the most unique flavor profiles then... It take for a whole year between the bottom be rinsed out? not in barrel... Age their wines in bourbon barrels two years after they have been able to fill the barrel, it! Within the legal range to be considered bourbon aromas to the spigot in the barrels heads at barrel.