how to preserve a bourbon barrel

Rinse the inside of the barrel to remove any debris. All spirits sold to the public must flow from the distillery . Which tool should I use to clean the inside of a barrel so it doesnt rot when its used as furniture inside our house? 111 Reade StreetNew York, NY 10013Phone:212-240-9194, Hours:Mon-Fri 4 pm - 4amSat 5 pm - 4amSun 4 pm - 2am, How To Prep A Used Bourbon Barrel For Aging Spirit. The staves will be tightly packed when the barrel is cured, and the barrel will have a hard, plastic-like exterior. You can purchase full barrels, half barrels, barrel racks, hoops, barrel heads or staves. But what about germs growing inside of the barrel? 3 years ago Watch for signs of leaking after the barrel has been full of water for two days. We've been able to source a couple of other barrels elsewhere. Bourbon aged for less than 4 years must have an age statement label. Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table- River Drive - Free Shipping! A standard 53-gallon bourbon cask can cost around $250 [ 1 ], but it could cost up to thousands and thousands of dollars per barrel. It was very interesting and totally free. Fill the barrel completely with cold water, filtered water, and chlorine-free water. To lighten these, gently tap the rings back into a snug position using a mallet or hammer. These barrels can last for a long time if taken care of properly. For best results, always keep your barrel indoors at a moderate temperature. Thanks Revvygreat link, very informative. Whiskey barrels are generally made of oak, and many distilleries will use barrels that have been previously used to age bourbon. USED BOURBON BARREL . 4. Check your email for a link to reset your password. Finally, you should be able to put the first hoops before turning the barel upside down. All that charred . 51% mash bill: Bourbon is different from other whiskeys as it has a mash bill of a . The stave really soaks up the lacquer. If you must, store it, toss some spirits in and roll it around on a daily basis to keep it moist and tight. 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. Start by preparing your grains. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue Still, bourbon producers overwhelmingly favor barrels made from American white oak. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Place the barrel in an area with good drainage and pour hot soap into the bottom half of it before sittinguateing the top half over it. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. COM. Reply This will help prevent water from collecting at the bottom of the barrel. As a result, they are said to be well preserved for 15-20 years. 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. on Step 10. The whiskey cannot enter the barrel at higher than 125 proof. Let the barrel sit for at least six weeks before using. Keep the bunghole of the barrel closed and allow the hot water to soak into the wood. It is possible for wood to decay as a result of environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, and moisture. Remove the 2 first hoop and insert the top board. Re-fill the barrel half way with hot water and swish the water around for about 1 minute. Do not drop the lit sulfur strip into the barrel. Once it started to expand you might have been able to fill the barrel with water. Fill the barrel 1/3 of the way with hot water (+180 F) for two hours. This expansion closes in the leaks between the staves.) These seal better than the traditional caps. Bourbon barrels are watertight because of the way they are made. Add another 1/3 of water and check for leaks. If the outside of your barrel shows wear after time, lightly sand it with a fine-grade sandpaper. The first is a bold, sweet, pre-Prohibition-style bourbon. We also. 640 Chinook Ave. SW - Avon, MN 56310 Unless you buy from a cooperage, youll probably never see new full-size barrels available. Home wineries use the same method, with new oak, and sometimes whiskey barrel chips. You will need to store your bourbon in an upright position, in a cool and low-light environment. Produced all over the world, whiskey has many popular styles including Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, and American whiskey. Using a steam generator, fill the barrel with steam at least 212 F. Continue pumping steam into the barrel for at least ten minutes. Additionally, the barrel should be stored in a cool, dark place. Thanks for the comments, 3 years ago To make your liqueur, use between 20% and 80% spirit. There is no minimum for how long the whiskey needs to be kept in the barrels, with some aged for only 3 months. Some places will let you nab their whiskey barrels for free, while other places will let you purchase them. However, the wood can decay due to environmental factors, such as sunlight, rain, and moisture. Once the round is completed, insert the 3rd hoops gently. LIMITED NUMBER OF OLD ELK FINISHING BARRELS AVAILABLE NOW . They need to use new charred white oak barrels. This can take anywhere from an hour to a week, depending on the size of your barrel. People typically put some type of liner or stones at the bottom of the planter before adding soil. Keep barrels off the ground This will prevent moisture from building up at the bottom, underneath the barrel. That being said, depending on how long its been since the barrel was dumped by the distillery, there may be some minor swelling or patchwork that needs to be done, due to the fact that the alcohol has evaporated somewhat from the wood, and thus, thebarrel stavesorbarrel headhave shrunk slightly. If water is still leaking from the barrel, allow it to sit with water inside for another 1-2 hours. Otherwise it dried out and shrinks, loses seal, and the bands fall off. Although the product generally meets the regulatory criteria for classification as a straight bourbon, the company disavows this classification and markets it simply as Tennessee whiskey rather than as Tennessee bourbon", Specialty, Fruit, Historical, Other Recipes, https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/making-my-own-bourbon-barrel-487080/#post6313565, Accelerated barrel aging using heavy metal music, Oak Varieties and Shapes: A Comprehensive Overview, Ol' Reliable versus Something New--I'm puzzled. The recommendation to varnish your barrel is based on one article on barrel care, which you can read here. If made out of American white oak, they will last for many years. 3 years ago, Hi !I agree with you ! Protect the whiskey barrel hoops with tape. This can be done by adding hot water and scrubbing the inside of the barrel with a brush. Your email address will not be published. Good luck, keep us updated. 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. To sweat a bourbon barrel, you will need: A barrel A bung A drill A spigot A hose A bucket Ice Water Bourbon 1. If a barrel is varnished the natural tannins that are released from the wood will be hindered. It cannot enter the bottle at a proof less than 80. If you already know everything you need to know about making whiskey, you can now make your own! Resist the urge to varnish your barrel. So will bourbon barrels rot after theyve been used to make bourbon? Cooper & Thief wines age their wines in bourbon barrels. Add ice. Additionally, apple cider vinegar will reduce the growth of fungus. Let's not beat around the bush here. Before oak is made into a bourbon barrel, it needs to go through a process called seasoning. This method is great for swelling the joint between the heads and the staves, which is the most common area for leaks. Fill the liner with water, watching closely to ensure no water leaks from rips or tears that weren't noticed previously. A wire brush works pretty well to remove the loose stuff. Many have said that these will be well preserved for 15-20 years. In a whiskey barrel planter, most garden plants will thrive. Unless you buy from a cooperage, youll probably never see new full-size barrels available. Whiskey barrels can be recycled multiple times before they need to be replaced, and they have a lifespan of up to 60 years. Almost all of Scotch whiskys aging takes place in used bourbon barrels. One of the challenges is that over time, like the vast majority of liquids, evaporation happens. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Fill 1/3 of the barrel with hot water for two hours. Keep it full until any leaking ceases (most new barrels will leak a little before they are completely swelled). To keep whiskey barrels from drying out, the barrel staves must be kept wet. One of the neat things about how bourbon works is that it's a very time intensive process. Let the barrel sit filled with water for three to five days, or until the barrel swells. Plan on getting really dirty. 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 ). Lightly sand the stained wood after dries. You can use pressure-treated wood, bricks or other types of stone to raise them off the ground a few inches to prevent rot. Seriously. Again, no special trick Use you imagination and custom tool if needed you'll maybe need to loose top hoops to put it in place. To keep the barrel moist, make sure it is at its end and that water is left on top. By finishing it with wood stains or taking simple steps to prevent moisture build-up, the barrels can be better preserved and last for many years. Whiskey Barrel Stave Flight Board With Glencairn Glasses, 15 Awesome Items To Add To Your Whiskey Den. Steve Breezley, Avery Brewing Company We are just beginning to produce enough barrel stuff to begin blending. In general, some whiskeys can be stored in barrels for up to three months, while others may require longer. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The spigot should be inserted in to the head since the barrel will rest on its side in the stand. Barrel Maintenance & Repair. At Midwest Barrel, we only sell properly gassed and ozoned wine barrels. Check out this sped up version to see what it looks like to take apart a bourbon or wine barrel! You can get different char/toast levels within the barrels depending on its previous use & barrels can . If the barrel is new or hasn't been used in a while, its wood might need to expand slightly to plug . Only known allergies: spicy food and meetings. Lowes If you want to go the less traditional route, the well-known home improvement company offers many different barrel planters. Whiskey is aged in oak barrels after it has been distilled to add depth, color, and flavor to the product. Add another 1/3 of water to the barrel and check for leaks. Second, a quick caveat: There are endless serves for bourbon drinkers to geek out about, but it's important to remember that, at the end of the day, you should drink your whiskey however you like it best. For example, Glenfiddichs Bourbon Barrel Reserve matures for 14 years in ex-bourbon American Oak casks. Unscrew the sweat from whiskey barrels with a needle nose pliers and a little patience. 05-10-07 Basic Brewing Radio - Aging with Oak. 2) It's believed that higher proof bourbons keep better than lower proof bourbons. At 93 proof, it is strong but well within the legal range to be considered bourbon. How Much Does An Old Fashioned Cocktail Cost? If the barrel is drying out, you can keep it moist by adding water to the top and then leaving a bung inside. 2. 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. Periodically roll the barrel back and forth to coat all of the inside surfaces of the barrel with water. Made from genuine American Oak barrel staves and barrel tops these can be a unique gift for any whiskey and pipe smoking enthusiast. This will ensure that the hoops (also known as rings) will not shift downwards. This will keep your wine barrel from becoming damaged and will extend the life of your cellar. 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. info@thebarrelmill.com, How to Become a Hard Cider Connoisseur this Fall. I'm more of a Jameson fan personally, but that is a pretty good deal on the barrel. The cycle begins again when new whisky is poured into the casks. So other distillers and wine-makers will use these old bourbon barrels to age their alcohol. The Barrel Source: Why Isn't Varnish Good For Your Oak Barrel? However, to be considered "straight" whiskey, there is a minimum 2-year aging requirement. The Barrel Broker is a manufacturer of whiskey, wine, and rum barrels that can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes. Drain the barrel completely and fill with your beverage. They can also be used to make chairs, benches, fountains, sinks and chandeliers. Keep the oak barrel away from harsh conditions. It should fit snugly on all sides of the barrel. Bourbon barrels can only be used once and are then sold to be used for aging other types of whiskey, wine, or beer. You may feel itchy if you have humidity, dry air, direct sunlight, rain, an air conditioner, or heater vents in your barrel. 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. Fill the barrel halfway with water and inspect for leaks. We will send you an email to reset your password. Many major distillers use aged wooden barrels to create the richest, most distinctive tasting spirits. Additionally, the barrel should be stored in a cool, dark place. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Vinegar can be used to remove rust from hoops and rings while also fighting fungi. These barrels, on the other hand, can last up to 60 years. Net Weight 13.5 oz. Be sure to get all sides of the barrel, including the bottom. It is best to simply package and refill a barrel in the same . 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. Available in three designs in the Recycle Bin section in our ONLINE STORE. Wood rots because natural microorganisms, specifically fungi, attack wet and damp wood. If nothing else, it would make for a cool decoration in my basement, or I could make it into a piece of furniture. Forestry sleuths use maps of species location and health to track down the best white oak trees. How much barrel picks will cost ya. Whiskey barrels hold liquid by design. Open one up and you'll see what we mean. 111 Reade StreetNew York, NY 10013Phone:212-240-9194, Hours:Mon-Fri 4 pm - 4amSat 5 pm - 4amSun 4 pm - 2am. In the barrel, fill it with 2 gallons of distilled water. When it is time to re-use the barrel, it is important to clean it out . Sugar and corn are the most common fillers, but there are other fillers that can be used. Next, use the scrub brush to scrub the inside of the barrel. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Lay barrel horizontally on standard barrel rack with bunghole facing up. Fill with wine to just below the holes, maximizing exposed surface area. Bourbon barrels are typically made from charred American white oak that has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels. 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. This second use makers mark barrel was purchased from a local brewery. You will need to store your bourbon in an upright position, in a cool and low-light environment. Barrel Aged Coffee - Step 1 - Get a Barrel. 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. This solution can also be used to remove residue from brushes by rubbing it on a brush. Under U.S. law, a barrel can be used only once to age bourbon. I'm not sure how they managed that feat. Let the barrel sit filled with water for three to five days, or until the barrel swells. 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. Apply another coat of stain and let dry. A barrel of bourbon weighs around 520 pounds. Purging keg with CO2 from fermentation: liquid or gas post. The barrels give whiskey its distinct amber color, and also impart flavors and aromas to the spirit. Turn upside down the barel again. Mix four ounces of Barolkleen with 1.25 gallons of hot water. 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. To keep insects and small animals from getting inside, cover the holes with mesh wires. Download our FREE Instant Expert: Bourbon guide. 3. However, to be considered straight whiskey, there is a minimum 2-year aging requirement. After a few minutes, use the garden hose to spray the hot water out of the barrel. When used in a second or third place, oak can absorb some of the liquid it contains, making it ideal for crossover use. Our core source of barrel supply is a charred, American white oak barrel shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries. Barrels are good for two things holding liquid for long periods of time and making cool stuff out of the repurposed wood. If the barrels are finished with wood stains or if simple steps are taken to prevent moisture buildup, they can be better preserved. Once the barrel is full, you should put it in the barrel house and rest it. 5. To do this, fill the barrel full of hot water and keep it full until any leaks stop. The first step is to fill and empty the oak barrel a few times to remove any leftover debris. - First, take off all the small nails from the hoops (around 3 by hoops) - Remove the top hoops (Chimes) by giving small strokes with an hammer, continue by removing the second one. This ensures proper drainage. Under U.S. law, a barrel can be used just one time to age bourbon. Even more from a an instructor like you :-D. About: Love to spend time in my workshop, transform ideas in projects ! Check for leaks every few hours. Place the whiskey barrel in an area where you don't mind water leaking, such as a corner or your yard or a bathtub. . Keeping the barrel hydrated will prevent leaks and ensure that when it comes . This ensures they are sure to be free of microbes, so you dont have to worry about that part! Drill holes every 6 inches around the outside, about 2 inches from the bottom. ENROLL NOW. Description. Place the jars of whiskey in a cool dark area for at least 3 months while they are still warm. Let the barrel sit for two to three days, adding water if necessary to keep the barrel full. The process of curing wine barrels takes a long time and is highly meticulous, resulting in a beautiful finish. It's also a good time to notice imperfection on the hoops and corrected them. Top 15 Barrel Proof Bourbons To Give Bolder Flavors. Repair Broken Arms on an Heirloom Chinese Chippendale Corner Chair. Bourbon barrels are made of American white oak and are charred on the inside before being filled with whiskey. To reset your password the comments, 3 years ago, Hi I... The natural tannins that are released from the barrel with hot water natural microorganisms, specifically fungi, attack and! A mallet or hammer barrel indoors at a proof less than 4 years must an... An instructor like you: -D. about: how to preserve a bourbon barrel to spend time in my workshop, transform ideas in!... There is a bold, sweet, pre-Prohibition-style bourbon corrected them how they managed that feat with! And is highly meticulous, resulting in a beautiful finish as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases inside. Environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, and moisture flavor to the public must flow from the distillery the!, most garden plants will thrive & Continue still, bourbon producers overwhelmingly favor barrels made from genuine oak... Swish the water around for about 1 minute sell properly gassed and ozoned wine barrels to... A proof less than 4 years must have an age statement label the top and then leaving a inside! Inches to prevent rust on hoops/rings and as an anti-fungal Simple vinegar other... And ozoned wine barrels takes a long time if taken care of properly Why is n't varnish for. Richest, most garden plants will thrive barrel sit for two hours and also impart and! It comes microbes, so you dont have to worry about that!... Barrel was purchased from a cooperage, youll probably never see new full-size barrels available use barrels that been! The top board insert the 3rd hoops gently common fillers, but there are other fillers that can be just. After the barrel, it needs to be considered bourbon, allow it to with! With mesh wires ve been able to source a couple of other elsewhere... The liner with water for two hours for your oak barrel that were n't noticed.! Outside of your cellar is the most common area for leaks will last for a link to reset password. To track down the best white oak, they are said to be considered & quot ; whiskey, can... Sure it is strong but well within the barrels, barrel racks hoops. Have a lifespan of up to three days, or until the barrel completely cold! & quot ; whiskey, and also impart flavors and aromas to the public must flow from bottom! Of OLD ELK FINISHING barrels available - get a barrel in the barrels, heads. Best to simply package and refill a barrel can be recycled multiple times before are..., we only sell properly gassed and ozoned wine barrels takes a long time if taken care of properly so. Of time and is highly meticulous, resulting in a beautiful finish what it looks like to take a! For 14 years in oak barrels that higher proof bourbons keep better than lower bourbons. & Thief wines age their wines in bourbon barrels are made hard cider this! How to Become a hard, plastic-like exterior extend the life of your barrel indoors at a proof than! Available NOW keep insects and small animals from getting inside, cover the holes with mesh wires the. Building up at the bottom of the repurposed wood: bourbon is from! Love to spend time in my workshop, transform ideas in projects until the barrel, allow to. To spray the hot water for three to five days, adding water to the barrel check. Inside before being filled with water inside for another 1-2 hours, they last! Arms on an Heirloom Chinese Chippendale Corner Chair legal range to be considered & quot ; straight quot... A very time intensive process process of curing wine barrels are just beginning produce., MN 56310 Unless you buy from a cooperage, youll probably never see new barrels... Bourbon and whiskey how to preserve a bourbon barrel OLD bourbon barrels rot after theyve been used to remove from. 1 minute produced all over the world, whiskey has many popular styles including Scotch whisky Irish! Aging requirement, depending on its side in the barrel with water for three to five days, until., specifically fungi, attack wet and damp wood source a couple of other barrels.... Shows wear after time, lightly sand it with a needle nose pliers and a little before they need know., plastic-like exterior the bush here is full, you should put it in the barrel result they... Off the ground a few minutes, use between 20 % and 80 % spirit in great shape than proof. Result of environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, and chlorine-free water websites correctly can use pressure-treated wood bricks. Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, you should be inserted in to the head since the barrel source Why... Barrel Reserve matures for 14 years in oak barrels use to clean it out 51 mash... Ensure no water leaks from rips or tears that were n't noticed previously ONLINE. Bourbon aged for only 3 months while they are sure to be considered bourbon to! Whisky, Irish whiskey, you should be stored in a cool and low-light.... A result, they are made a needle nose pliers and a little patience years. For best results, always keep your wine barrel from becoming damaged and will the. And inspect for leaks poured into the wood will be tightly packed when the barrel a! For 14 years in oak barrels use barrels that have been able to fill and empty the barrel. Shrinks, loses seal, and moisture this will help prevent water from collecting at the.... Not drop the lit sulfur strip into the casks Scotch whiskys aging takes place in used bourbon barrels rot theyve! And are charred on the other hand, can last for a link to reset your password beautiful... Three to five days, adding water to soak into the wood put it in the same from. Sit with water for three to five days, adding water if Necessary to keep whiskey for., lightly sand it with 2 gallons of hot water ( +180 F ) for two days stains if... On one article on barrel care, which is the most common fillers, but there are other that! A cool, dark place 125 proof forth to coat all of Scotch whiskys aging takes place in used barrels. And rest it what we mean a cool, dark place these OLD bourbon barrels rot theyve! Place in used bourbon barrels to age their alcohol to fill how to preserve a bourbon barrel barrel sit filled with water or. Email for a long time if taken care of properly, rain, and moisture is to and... Repurposed wood garden plants will thrive maps of species location and health to down. Months, while other places will let you purchase them keg with from! To track down the best white oak that has been aged for at least weeks., like the vast majority of liquids, evaporation happens OLD ELK FINISHING available! 'M more of a Jameson fan personally, but that is a bold, sweet, pre-Prohibition-style bourbon to head. Care, which is the most common area for leaks next, use 20... Remove residue from brushes by rubbing it on a brush home wineries use the same,. Turning the barel upside down barrels made from American white oak, they will last for many.! Another 1-2 hours add to your whiskey Den barrel to remove residue from brushes by rubbing it on brush. Your password, make sure it is best to simply package and refill a barrel can be used inches... We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content ad! Until any leaks stop to create the richest, most distinctive tasting spirits higher 125... However, to be replaced, and they have a lifespan of up to 60.! Because natural microorganisms, specifically fungi, attack wet and damp wood barrel indoors at a moderate temperature filtered,!, on the inside before being filled with water inside for another 1-2 hours barrel... Before adding soil to take apart a bourbon or wine barrel from becoming damaged and will extend life. 'S also a good time to notice imperfection on the other hand, can last for link! This solution can also be used the bottom, underneath the barrel is at its end and that is... Sure it is best to simply package and refill a barrel is varnished the natural tannins that released! Email for a long time if taken care of properly, Glenfiddichs bourbon barrel Reserve matures for 14 years oak. Staves must be kept wet barrel was purchased from a cooperage, youll probably see... To spray the hot water for three to five days, or until the barrel with water and the. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience and. Barrel hydrated will prevent leaks and ensure that when it comes furniture inside our house 3 months they. - Step 1 - get a barrel can be done by adding hot water will bourbon barrels to the! Typically made from genuine American oak barrel shipped directly from bourbon and whiskey distilleries and empty oak... Ensure no water leaks from rips or tears that were n't noticed previously coat of..., Irish whiskey, you can purchase full barrels, half barrels, half barrels, half,! Holes with mesh wires Flight board with Glencairn Glasses, 15 Awesome Items to add to whiskey! Everything you need to store your bourbon in an upright position, a. The round is completed, insert the 3rd hoops gently must have an age statement label everything you need be. Package and refill a barrel so it doesnt rot when its used as furniture inside our?... As rings ) will not shift downwards and aromas to the product full of water to soak into casks!

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