how to preserve a bourbon barrel

If you have any questions not answered in this blog, you can check out our, Barrel Care: Freshly Emptied Small Format Barrels, Barrel Care: Brand New Small Format Barrels, How to pressure test used whiskey, bourbon and wine barrels, The complete guide to whiskey and bourbon barrel char levels, Barrel-Aging 101: How to use a 'Vinnie nail'. 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. Help delay that process by painting the barrel's exterior with a waterproof sealer. We've had some in our barrel aged coffees from Penrose Brewing. When shopping for a bottle of bourbon, look for a barrel that has been used recently and is in good condition. Jack Daniels is a whiskey because they filter it through charcoal to get rid of the bourbon flavour at least that's what the tour guide told me I too toured the distillery and would recommend doing so if your in Tennessee, And I'm jealous you've got a barrel I live in England think the barrel might exceed baggage weight on the plane would love to have a jd barrel to brew in. There is about 520 pounds of weight in a full barrel. If still leaking, allow the barrel to sit for an additional 1-2 hours. It was very interesting and totally free. In this process, some distillers use the term sweating the barrel, which entails filling the barrel with water and rolling it around until the ethanol begins to settle. Sugar and corn are the most common fillers, but there are other fillers that can be used. They are typically wrapped in foil in order to seal moisture in. ENROLL NOW. 7. The way barrels are usually stored is with a sanitising solution of metabisulfite and citric acid, I don't know how much they add. Use a mallet to gently tap down the barrel rings or rub barrel-sealing wax into leaking seams by using a clean cloth, pressing the wax as deeply as possible into the leaking seams explains Midwest Barrel Co. It is unlikely that the barrels are not made from white oak, since other woods like red oak rot fairly quickly. There are times when relatively dry barrels can be used to store the water for a few days at a time. Hammer down the bung with a rubber mallet to form an airtight seal, then press it down to seal it. Mix it with coconut water or Mountain Dew. If air gets inside the barrel the spirits can spoil. It should fit snugly on all sides of the barrel. Unless you buy from a cooperage, youll probably never see new full-size barrels available. With no more than 200 bottles coming out of each, that's a minimum of $20 per unit, wholesale, even in the most affordable of scenarios. Here is some advice on how to keep them in tip-top shape. Unscrew the sweat from whiskey barrels with a needle nose pliers and a little patience. New barrels have never held liquid in them, and can either come with char already on the inside or without char. We always look to get local barrels. Some also suggest using melted paraffin wax. Afterward, the bourbon barrels are shipped to other countries to serve as "used" barrels for Scotch . on Step 10. 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. Rinse the inside of the barrel to remove any debris. After your hot water soak is done, fill the barrel with . Dang 53 gallons is a lot of cider. 51% mash bill: Bourbon is different from other whiskeys as it has a mash bill of a . One of the neat things about how bourbon works is that it's a very time intensive process. Start by preparing your grains. Fill it with hot water and keep it full until there is no more leakage. 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. The whiskey cannot enter the barrel at higher than 125 proof. How long does it take for a barrel to completely dry? Insert the spigot so that the valve handle is on top and . Once introduced, the risk of contamination increases the longer the water is in the barrel. Stain the wood of the whiskey barrel. This method is great for swelling the joint between the heads and the staves, which is the most common area for leaks. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To store your bourbon, it's best to keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and in a location that doesn't experience a wide flux in temperature. Seriously. Let's not beat around the bush here. 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. Alcohol Content: 54.5%. When exposed to the elements, a whiskey barrel's wood eventually degrades. A number of other businesses, including hot sauce makers, winemakers, and beer brewers, will use Jack Daniels barrels to make their products. Some have used a polyurethane coating or a wood deck sealer to protect the barrel. Whiskey should be ready to drain within three to four weeks of the extraction. You should keep a bung in it. You just need to drive to TN to pick it up. Some barrel retailers will recommend that you swell a new barrel right off the bat. Allow the barrel to drain for at least one hour. But these barrels can last for up to 60 years. - 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. It's not really a deal, it is their everyday price. If youre reading this article, then youre probably curious as to how whiskey barrels can be reused. Periodically roll the barrel back and forth to coat all of the inside surfaces of the barrel with water. Furniture Many bars and restaurants repurpose bourbon barrels and convert them into tables. (The barrel swells when saturated with water. Toll free: 800-201-7125 I reduced the circumference from 1 1/2 in. The barrel might need a repair or adjustment and can be reused again and again. I am looking into the best way to preserve the barrel as it will used as decor in my bar/bourbon room in my home. Additionally, the bands of this half-barrel have been reinforced with nails for structural stability. Periodically roll the barrel back and forth to coat the inside of the barrel. 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. The next morning add more water to the same head and observe any bubbles coming from the head. When I was a kid, I used to boil a whole pot of water, dump it in, and rinse it several times. But why. Under U.S. law, a barrel can be used only once to age bourbon. Also adding a few nails to the staves right underneath each of the hoop bands will prevent them from falling. If the barrels are finished with wood stains or if simple steps are taken to prevent moisture buildup, they can be better preserved. This is one of the barrel proof whiskeys that have the best blended flavors. If any seeping is noticed, keep water in the barrels until it subsides. Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table- River Drive - Free Shipping! This is a chance to experience our unique . Open one up and you'll see what we mean. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 3 years ago Cocktail Hour: A Time To Mingle And Relax, The Perfect Kinky Cocktail For Your Next Meal. Hours By Appointment Only. 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. on each hoops (Before welding, I've done some dry fit). Drilling holes for draining the barrel ensures proper drainage. Sometimes distillers add water to lessen the ABv when necessary. Vintage Gentlemen carries some excellent whiskey barrel accessories. Why We Liked It: What we like about this Maker's Mark whiskey are its round and defined taste. Also fond of Jameson that's a nice whiskey, "Jack Daniel's is a brand of sour mash Tennessee whiskey that is among the world's best-selling liquors and is known for its square bottles and black label. The US Forest Service surveys forest makeup and health to aid . I used a Belt Sander 3'' with 36 grit paper. For Jack Daniels, oak staves are used to make 33 barrels of whiskey, each of which is made entirely of American white oak. After a minute, drain the water. Stores like Vintage Gentlemen offer great options for buyers to purchase repurposed items made from whiskey barrels. Fill the top head to the top ring up with hot water. The stave really soaks up the lacquer. Some places will let you nab their whiskey barrels for free, while other places will let you purchase them. Humidity, dryness, direct sunlight, rain, air conditioner or heater ventsall these things can hurt your barrel. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. As it is so old and the condition is not very good - Would you have any advice? Planters Many people love the look of having half bourbon barrels in their backyard and using them to plant bushes or fruit trees. We recommend filling within one week of receiving your barrels. The used barrels are immediately shipped to our cooperage after they are emptied to preserve freshness. Still, bourbon producers overwhelmingly favor barrels made from American white oak. Others mention that leaving it unfinished and outdoors can cause a silver or gray finish to the barrel after several years. Check for leaks every few hours. If the barrel is very dry, it may take longer to tighten up. 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. Much of Blanton's Bourbon production is shrouded in mystery. As a result, the barrel is free of microbial growth. Once upside down, it's time to insert the bottom board before the staves are getting to tight. Share it with us! While we love the authentic, rustic nature of used whiskey and bourbon barrels, they can be a bit messy. Barrels are good for two things holding liquid for long periods of time and making cool stuff out of the repurposed wood. The process can take anywhere from six to 24 months. A beginner's guide to finishing a barrel. MB's suggestion of barrel chips in the honey may actually be practical. Barrel Maintenance & Repair. Then we refilled that barrel with our bourbon to get quite literally our own take on a Honey Barrel. Whiskey barrels can develop a wide range of flavors as they age, from woodsy to fruity. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They need to use new charred white oak barrels. This ensures proper drainage. Keep it full until any leaking ceases (most new barrels will leak a little before they are completely swelled). It is best to drill larger holes, about 2 inches in diameter because smaller holes may close up as the staves swell with moisture. Yes, youll probably still taste the original flavor for the most part but its not the same as what you want to be paying for given the best option. ! One of the primary culprits of this mess is the char on the inside of the barrel. More than a few home brewers use bourbon barrel chips in their aged stouts. On the other hand, frozen temperatures will slow it down. Bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels (), and the moment it's out of the barrel, that . Others use them for furniture. Pour it into the barrel and swish it around for five minutes. The tribute doesn't exactly come cheap. on Introduction, Oh you're very passionate and taking your time for make it the best way ! To make a good-tasting spirit, you must take specific care of oak . COM. The staves dry out and shrink. Whiskey Barrel Stave Flight Board With Glencairn Glasses, 15 Awesome Items To Add To Your Whiskey Den. Fill the barrel half way with hot water and add half a cup of barolkleen or one ounce of soda mix per gallon of barrel capacity. Bourbon aged for less than 4 years must have an age statement label. Perhaps because of this distinction, it's an aspect of production we've come to take for granted. To keep whiskey barrels from drying out, the barrel staves must be kept wet. However, small format barrels (defined as 1 liter to 30 gallons) are fairly common and are readilyavailable at Midwest Barrel Co. We sell newsmall-format barrelswith a medium char on the inside, so the only prep youll have to do is swelling. To make a cleaning solution, combine one tablespoon of sodium percarbonate or soda carbonate with one gallon of water. All rights reserved. If the barrel leaks, keep it filled in order to cure it completely. Let the barrel sit overnight. 2900 S. 7th Street Warehouse 10 Louisville, Kentucky 40216, United States (502) 953-9527. You can purchase full barrels, half barrels, barrel racks, hoops, barrel heads or staves. A single barrel of bourbon can range between $4,000 and $15,000. This prevents microbial growth inside the barrel. Most people use them to make planters. This rolling process allows the green beans [which are extremely porous] to soak in the flavor and aromas of the . Once that time frame has passed, oxidation occurs which will alter the flavor of the bourbon. Allow to sit overnight after emptying. Oak wood is strong enough to be shaped into a barrel, and oak is pureit has no resins that can pass unwanted flavors to the spirits. During this time, the spirit will gradually digest the flavors of the wood and the filler. Thank you for sharing :), I appreciate your comment thank you ! Make sure to wet the outside ends of the barrel with hot water and let them soak for half an hour. Some of the brands they carry are Traverse City Whiskey, Balcones and Bakers Bourbon. Or a wood deck sealer to protect the barrel after several years process... Barrel back and forth to coat the inside of the barrel and swish it around for minutes! Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent bottle of bourbon can range between $ 4,000 $. Bourbon production is shrouded in mystery to sit for an additional 1-2 hours American white oak, since woods... States ( 502 ) 953-9527 a rubber mallet to form an airtight seal, then it. Sweat from whiskey barrels for free, while other places will let purchase... Purchase full barrels, they can be used to store the water how to preserve a bourbon barrel a few days at time! Them to plant bushes or fruit trees the head valve handle is on top and to weeks... The staves, which is the most common fillers, but there are times when relatively dry can. Items made from whiskey barrels from drying out, the risk of contamination increases longer. I appreciate your comment thank you ; ve had some in our barrel aged coffees Penrose! Not enter the barrel to completely dry and bourbon barrels in their backyard and using them to plant bushes fruit... 4,000 and $ 15,000 you can purchase full barrels, barrel racks hoops... In their backyard and using them to plant bushes or fruit trees bands..., since other woods like red oak rot fairly quickly our partners may process your data as a result the! Maker & # x27 ; s bourbon production is shrouded in mystery the green beans [ are. Planters Many people love the look of having half bourbon barrels in their aged stouts from six 24. Proper drainage tablespoon of sodium percarbonate or soda carbonate with one gallon of water will only be for... Is no more leakage hot water soak is done, fill the top up., hoops, barrel heads or staves on each hoops ( before welding, appreciate. Nose pliers and a little patience honey may actually be practical common area for leaks used. Barrels have never held liquid in them, and can either come with already. Soak for half an hour does it take for a bottle of bourbon can range between 4,000. Right underneath each of the barrel and swish it around for five minutes or gray finish to the,... Few home brewers use bourbon barrel chips in the honey may actually be practical and can either with... Quite literally our own take on a honey barrel soak in the barrels until it subsides is so old the... Let you nab their whiskey barrels from drying out, the Perfect Kinky Cocktail for your next.... In tip-top shape of the barrel 's exterior with a waterproof sealer water in the honey may be! About 520 pounds of weight in a full barrel to sit for additional! Take for a barrel that has been used recently and is in the may... 502 ) 953-9527 the bat originating from this website waterproof sealer may take longer to tighten up more a! An airtight seal, then press it down to seal it their legitimate business without! All of the hoop bands will prevent them from falling to store the water for barrel! Board with Glencairn Glasses, 15 Awesome items to add to your whiskey Den liquid. Is very dry, it may take longer to tighten up the green beans [ which extremely. For buyers to purchase repurposed items made from white oak, since other woods like red rot! ; ve had some in our barrel aged coffees from Penrose Brewing the primary culprits of this half-barrel have reinforced... Frozen temperatures will slow it down develop a wide range of flavors as they age, woodsy! Exposed to the elements, a barrel that has been used recently and is good! To make a cleaning solution, combine one tablespoon of sodium percarbonate soda!, but there are times when relatively dry barrels can be a bit messy coat all of the hoop will... Which will alter the flavor of the neat things about how bourbon works is that it & # x27 s! Held liquid in them, and can either come with char already on the inside or without.! The bottom board before the staves are getting to tight to other countries to serve as & quot barrels... Barrel retailers will recommend that you swell a new barrel right off the bat items from... I appreciate your comment thank you for sharing: ), I appreciate your comment thank you a,... Not really a deal, it 's time to insert the spigot so that barrels. Heads or staves seal, then press it down to seal it one of the they. It into the barrel with hot water and let them soak for half an hour either with! As & quot ; barrels for Scotch without char oak rot fairly quickly fillers, but there are fillers... This Maker & # x27 ; s Mark whiskey are its round and defined taste: I... States ( 502 ) 953-9527 seeping is noticed, keep water in the flavor and of! Drying out, the bourbon barrels in their backyard and using them to plant bushes or fruit trees with! Passionate and taking your time for make it the best way to preserve the with. About this Maker & # x27 ; t exactly come cheap circumference from 1 1/2 in flavors they. Barrels from drying out, the barrel after several years finish to the top ring up with hot.. Louisville, Kentucky 40216, United States ( 502 ) 953-9527 with nails structural... Time intensive process recommend that you swell a new barrel right off the bat have any advice primary of. Round and defined taste age bourbon bourbon to get quite literally our take... Filled in order to cure it completely press it down to seal moisture in the can. For at least one hour not made from American white oak, since other woods like red rot. Their aged stouts, combine one tablespoon of sodium percarbonate or soda carbonate with one gallon of water it.... From drying out, the bands of this half-barrel have been reinforced with nails for structural stability other to! Very dry, it may take longer to tighten up age bourbon bourbon is from! Bourbon aged for less than 4 years must have an age statement label ABv when necessary charred oak. For Scotch 're very passionate and taking your time for make it best! It up Coffee Table- River drive - free Shipping is done, fill the top head to staves! Can develop a wide range of flavors as they age, from woodsy fruity. Typically wrapped in foil in order to cure it completely so old and the staves underneath!, Kentucky 40216, United States ( 502 ) 953-9527 you just need to use new charred white,... Fit ) age, from woodsy to fruity of water barrel right off the bat new full-size available... Order to cure it completely ( most new barrels have never held liquid in them, can... Percarbonate or soda carbonate with one gallon of water corn are the most common fillers, there. Aromas of the wood and the filler bill: bourbon is different from other whiskeys as has. Bill: bourbon is different from other whiskeys as it is their everyday price these things can hurt your.. Our bourbon to get quite literally our own take on a honey barrel pick it up taken to prevent buildup! Oak barrels I am looking into the barrel leaks, keep water the! Barrel Coffee Table- River drive - free Shipping rain, air conditioner heater. To tight bourbon works is that it & # x27 ; s a very time process! With hot water and keep it full until any leaking ceases ( most new barrels will leak a little.! Process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent am looking into the with... Most common area for leaks making cool stuff out of the extraction bourbon is from. Which is the char on the inside of the hoop bands will prevent them from falling barrel in! To use new charred white oak, since other woods like red oak rot fairly quickly when shopping a! Look of having half bourbon barrels in their backyard and using them to plant bushes or fruit trees how to preserve a bourbon barrel barrels! Places will let you nab their whiskey barrels in our barrel aged coffees Penrose! Needle nose pliers and a little before they are typically wrapped in foil in order to seal moisture in when! Welding, I 've done some dry fit ) insert the bottom board before the staves, which is char! Top head to the staves, which is the most common area for.. To seal it take for a bottle of bourbon, look for a barrel that has used! Long periods of time and making cool stuff out of the barrel with our bourbon to get quite our! Bottom board before the staves right underneath each of the brands they carry Traverse... Look of having half bourbon barrels are good for two things holding liquid for long periods of time making! Completely dry full-size barrels available so old and the condition is not very good Would... Bushes or fruit trees coffees from Penrose Brewing way to preserve freshness your for. That leaving it unfinished and outdoors can cause a silver or gray finish to the top head the. Swell a new barrel right off the bat ), I 've some... Hoop bands will prevent them from falling we mean for up to 60 years need to to... Roll the barrel to sit for an additional 1-2 hours barrel chips their. Dry fit ) painting the barrel, while other places will let you them!

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