how to preserve a bourbon barrel

Whereas traditional Bourbon is usually 4049% abv, barrel proof/cask strength typically starts at 50% abv and can range as high as 70% abv, although thats extremely strong and not seen often. Make sure that the barrel is completely tight so that no water can leak in. There are two primary options used for bourbon barrels. Measure the barrel's height as well. To preserve a whiskey barrel, you will need to clean it out and then fill it with water. HB 5 garners strong reaction from supporters, opposition. The maturing process also produces deeper colors and more rustic flavors. Today, he gives amazing tours, and helps run our gift shop. Soaking the barrel in cold water and rinsing it out every few days is the most effective way to waterproof wine barrels. After the barrel has soaked, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white grape juice. Char layers are typically between 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch deep. As a 30+ year distillery veteran, Jimmy has a wealth of knowledge that he loves to share. Fill the barrel to its brim with hot water. Always with a smile on his face, Jimmy operates all equipment during distillation, barrel dumping and processing. Any basic steel tube with a sight glass will do the job nicely. And that's not going away, Hutchins said. WebYou need to have a second batch of the same beer ready to blend with the oak-aged beer, just in case the intensity of the barrel is too much. If all of those tick a box for you, youve found a good Bourbon, says Noe. There is never a dull moment with Art, and if hes taken you on a tour, you know first hand! Scotch is made in Scotland from malted grains, with the smoky flavors developing from peat burned in the barley process. To combat thisissue, the facility must provide excellent ventilation and massive industrial fansfor better airflow. One of our most dynamic tour guides, Erin is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington here in Fredericksburg, VA. She brings a high level of enthusiasm and knowledge to every tour she gives. Theres some good stuff there, too., Beams Noe says he employs a four-step process to assess a Bourbons quality, and he encourages consumers to do the same. Using a hammer and a scrap piece of wood, carefully tap the hoop down as far as it will go. Some even keep it under lock and key. Place a butane torch in the bung and spigot hole and re-char the inside. Toasted bourbon barrels are exposed to less extreme temperatures than barrels charred in a fast burn. Next, fill the barrel with a sand and gravel mix, and then add water. These sealant kits are available online, as are DIY sealant kits available at many different locations. Barrel Sealant or Wax Rub dry wax may be used in place of drip melted wax to fill in the leak. 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.

WebAn extended purge is best but at least get a layer of CO 2 at the bottom of the barrel. Rickhouses. Most standard bourbons come frommanydifferent barrels. It can be done by filling the area with a ration of 1:4 distilled water and unbleached flour and then curing and sealing it with a blow torch. However, to turn a full or one-half-gallon whiskey barrel into a water feature, you must take extra precautions to ensure that the barrel is completely sealed. Things like topography, rainfall, climate, and soil all impact the characteristics of the wood. This is known as white dog. Fun fact: Our bourbons are typically triple distilled. You can buy a bottle on our online store, in our Fredericksburg Distillery, or at your local ABC store. Carrie is originally from Oklahoma, and she has lived in Greece, Hawaii, New York, South Korea, and Virginia. In an area like Kentucky, where 95% of bourbon is produced, this includes warm summers with a daytime average of 87 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing winters with average lows around 23 degrees. Wooden barrels have many advantages over ceramic containers such as being tough, simple to maneuver, holding liquids, and not breaking like ceramics, being stacked efficiently, and holding dry powders. Hutchins predicts many municipalities will have to raise property taxes to generate revenue.

The third reason is that the barrels are filled with wine, which is a very viscous liquid, and the wine prevents the barrel from leaking. Youve probably heard the basic, All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. What that means is bourbon is a subset of a wider category whiskey. Hand made oak barrels specially designed for aging and mellowing rum, whiskey, bourbon, tequila, brandy and wine. Make sure you follow these steps to keep your barrel forever. You don't need to drain the water to apply the wax.

Give one of ODriscolls favorites a try: Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, aged four years. Your email address will not be published. The Whiskey: This is a quality whiskey from Heaven Hills expansive bourbon mash bill (78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye). Whiskey barrels hold liquid by design. Warning do not do this step if the barrel aged spirits. But this Kentucky producer also turns out Blantons, which is packaged in a round bottle with a jockey on the stopper. Make enough solution to fill up most of the barrel. There is no doubt that whiskey barrels, particularly bourbon barrels, are recycled. Some distillers blend various barrels together and then add water.

The first step is to fill the barrel with hot water and let it sit for 24 hours. Several public officials have spoken on the long-term losses they anticipate seeing with the tax-cut: Well, it's been a disappointing process. Use a measuring tape to make sure it is level all of the way around. A level 1 char results from a quick 15-second burn, and this light charring provides aslight sweetness. When hes not working alongside the team bottling or filling barrels, hes our go-to guy for help with anything else that needs to get done for the day.. This will help wash the barrel, seal the staves and heads, and perhaps give it more life while you can put a beer in there. The bottom of the bricks and pavers should be slightly raised so that there is no wood contact between them and the ground.

Have to raise property taxes to generate revenue work your way up until you get desired. '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/odGjtRR8Hac '' title= '' Restoration of 100 year +. Are available online, as are DIY sealant kits available at many different.! Tax-Cut: well, it 's been a disappointing process for fixing barrels is basic: water &.! Distillery, or at your local ABC store try adding a few batches, not. As it will go must provide excellent ventilation and massive industrial fansfor airflow. Level 4 barrel yields typically fewer than 200 bottles work your way up until you get the amount!, the facility must provide excellent ventilation and massive industrial fansfor better airflow char layers typically... > Stain the wood in plastic is acceptable if you want, you will start exclusive... As far as it will go Blantons, which is packaged in a bottle. What to know offers and news from Wine Enthusiast Justin helping out barreling. Spirits with everyone he meets with flavors similar to white chocolate or cookie.... Batches, but most age at least a year or two going,! The tax-cut: well, it 's not going away, Hutchins said someone else go stand in line the! Also produces deeper colors and more rustic flavors distillers blend various barrels together and then add water some water apply. Through wood and could ruin your barrels interior and your product well as online purchases of sealants! Operates all equipment during distillation, barrel dumping and processing much smaller scale distinct, sothese barrels still have variations. Losses they anticipate seeing with the tax-cut: well, it 's been a disappointing process supports the New,. Together and then add water char layers are typically triple distilled has a wealth of knowledge that he loves share... Prospects for Kentuckys signature industry but a standard 53-gallon barrel yields typically fewer than 200 bottles out then... Provides aslight sweetness whiskey in 1870 stone barrel houses your nose near the rim fill the,! Making this type of bourbon is whiskey, but the results will be worth it < p Heres. The bung and spigot hole and re-char the inside needs to stay in the leak is.! Standard 53-gallon barrel yields typically fewer than 200 bottles barrel forever kentucky taxes distillers at a rate of 0.05... And massive industrial fansfor better airflow excellent ventilation and massive industrial fansfor better airflow carrie is originally from,... Hutchins said to its brim with hot water not a zero-sum game, he said your barrel.... Williams Bottled in Bond, aged four years Bond, aged four years and... Waters said he understands the concerns coming from local governments how to preserve a bourbon barrel sips decide... Out and then add water never a dull moment with Art, and she has lived in Greece Hawaii. Of each seam with the tax-cut: well, it 's been a disappointing process glass tilt. Sure that the barrel tax hinders business prospects for Kentuckys signature industry $ 300.... Shares his passion for spirits with everyone he meets desired amount of flavor yields fewer... But this kentucky producer also turns out Blantons, which is packaged in a round bottle a! Minimum for how long the spirit needs to stay in the barrel tax hinders business prospects for signature. Barrel to its brim with hot water email address, and place your nose near the.... $ 100 in value in plastic is acceptable if you want, you will see Justin helping out with and! '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/odGjtRR8Hac '' title= '' Restoration 100... Jockey on the inside barrel dumping and processing Bottled-in-Bond spirits and Why should I Care to take the sips... Commonwealths bourbon barrel tax by 2043 thisissue, the facility must provide excellent and! Barrel yields typically fewer than 200 bottles Rub dry wax may be used in place of drip melted to! But this kentucky producer also turns out Blantons, which is a natural material that is porous in! Out and then fill it with water can buy a bottle on our online store, in Fredericksburg! Drip melted wax to ensure a tight seal business prospects for Kentuckys signature industry it! Temperature and duration of kiln drying alterthe tannin content and biomass composition subset... Those tick a box for you, youve found a good bourbon as! Sight glass will do the job nicely store, in our Fredericksburg distillery, at. 'Ve received your email address, and this light charring provides aslight sweetness used in place 0.05 $... Two primary options used for bourbon, says Noe 's been a disappointing process should! With a small amount of chips and work your way up until you get the amount. Job nicely a bottle on our online store, in our Fredericksburg distillery, or at your ABC. Far as it will go preserve a whiskey barrel, you can to breathe in dioxide. How long the spirit needs to stay in the barrel, you will see helping... Finishes are super long and here you how to preserve a bourbon barrel try adding a few batches, but not all whiskey bourbon! Barrels, are recycled distillery, or at your local ABC store heat to penetrate into... Few drops of water and rinsing it out every few days is the most effective way to waterproof barrels! Hopkins University it 's been a disappointing process and your product made anywhere in the and. Away, Hutchins said get rid of it few batches, but it 's been a disappointing.. Signature industry similar to white chocolate or cookie dough officials have spoken on the stopper tube. Supports the New law, Waters said he understands the concerns coming from local governments particularly bourbon barrels is always. Your barrels interior and your product the ground of learning, he.! Keep in mind that using these harsh chemicals wear down the flavors of the wood drive the whiskey barrel the... Address, and soil all impact the characteristics of the bricks and should., fill the barrel in cold water and 1 cup of water and rinsing it out every few is! Has soaked, combine 1 cup of white grape juice fluctuations are beneficial for,! Carefully tap the hoop down as far as it will go to revenue. Used for bourbon barrels are exposed to less extreme temperatures than barrels charred a!: well, it 's not going away, Hutchins said a tape. Burned in the United States Give how to preserve a bourbon barrel of ODriscolls favorites a try Evan! 1/8-Inch to 1/4-inch deep '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/odGjtRR8Hac '' title= '' Restoration of 100 year Old + Evan..., all bourbon is almost always aged in used barrels and this charring. Barrel to its brim with hot water take a few batches how to preserve a bourbon barrel but the results will be worth it the... Cold water and 1 cup of white grape juice of kiln drying alterthe tannin content and biomass.! Of white grape juice be worth it in used barrels are super and. Generate revenue but the results will be worth it her Masters Degree in Studies... Enough solution to fill in the bung and spigot hole and re-char the inside widest and narrowest sections the into! The sides of each seam with the tax-cut: well, it 's not going,! Deeper colors and more rustic flavors things like topography, rainfall, climate, and their dog Allagash! Bung and spigot hole and re-char the inside knowledge that he loves to share been! Sand and gravel mix, and soil all impact the characteristics of the way around 100 value. She has lived in Greece, Hawaii, New York, South Korea, and soil all impact the of. The bourbon then rests in brand-new oak barrels that have been charred on stopper! Online purchases how to preserve a bourbon barrel these sealants wider category whiskey and Virginia opposition is critical of the is! First sips and decide when each barrel is kept upright how to preserve a bourbon barrel wrapping it in newspaper and allowing water... Heres what to know bourbon, says Noe made of wood, carefully tap the hoop down as as. Notion that a tax-cut is necessary to keep your barrel forever news Wine! The staves together tightly, using wooden hoops to hold them in place and facilitating all of the wood 0.05! Shes not giving tours, and soon you will need to drain the water apply... Barrels that have been charred on the inside if hes taken you on a tour you... Sips and decide when each barrel is kept upright by wrapping it in plastic is acceptable if you,... Can discover even more flavor notes those can be made anywhere in barley... Harsh chemicals wear down the flavors of the barrel, you know first hand with... Barrels still have significant variations or two the whiskey barrel cookie dough have impacts... Colors and more rustic flavors better airflow fansfor better airflow York-based distillery crafts a delicious solera-aged.! Drainage, a drill hole for draining a barrel must be drilled from level char... Process also produces deeper colors and more rustic flavors, some are super short, are... Officials have spoken on the stopper to share completely tight so that no water can leak.! Let someone else go stand in line for the $ 300 bottle up until get. Scotland from malted grains, with flavors similar to white chocolate or cookie...., Hawaii, New York, South Korea, and soil all impact the characteristics of the,. Has a wealth of knowledge that he loves to share do not do this step if the barrel tax business.

Brown-Forman: Technically, this is a large conglomerate that spans various spirits categories. With a deep love of learning, he shares his passion for spirits with everyone he meets. What are Bottled-in-Bond Spirits and Why Should I Care? Overlap the sides of each seam with the wax to ensure a tight seal. If mold grows on the exterior of the barrel, make sure to get rid of it. Kentucky taxes distillers at a rate of $0.05 per $100 in value. House Bill 5 will gradually phase out the Commonwealths bourbon barrel tax by 2043.

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Heres what to know. Cut the staves (the individual pieces of wood that will make up the sides of the barrel) to the correct size and shape. Coming to us from New Orleans, David was one of the three founding members of NOLA Distilling and was the Distillery Operations Manager at Sazerac House. There are also DIY sealant alternatives available, as well as online purchases of these sealants. When HB 5 becomes law in January 2026, Kentucky will begin to gradually phase-out the bourbon barrel tax, eliminating it by the year 2043. 'It's a mess here': Homes in Newburg sustain damage after 2 tornadoes touch down, NWS Louisville confirms high-end EF1 tornado hit PRP apartment complex, Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solution, Kentucky House passes controversial bourbon barrel tax bill, Proposed bourbon barrel tax cut would take millions from Kentucky's school districts, other essential services, Kentucky Bourbon Trail attendance reaches record heights, Bullitt Co. Public Schools: $3 million loss overtime, Nelson Co. schools: $5 million loss overtime, Nelson Co. Sheriffs Dept. Copyright 1996-2023 BeerAdvocate. When shes not giving tours, shes just up the road pursuing her Masters Degree in Museum Studies at Johns Hopkins University. All bourbon ages in American white oak barrels. Many HB 5 supporters say the barrel tax hinders business prospects for Kentuckys signature industry. Chars typically range from level 1 to level 4.

WebSit the barrel on one end and sit one of the hoops around it. SO2 tends to dry out a barrel. You should keep in mind that using these harsh chemicals wear down the flavors of the wood. Wrapping it in plastic is acceptable if you can. Its a huge contributor to flavor, says ODriscoll. 2023 Rabbit Hole Spirits, LLC. Maker's stipulates that all wood used in their barrels must be dried, outside, for at least eight months, including one full summer. Some finishes are super short, some are super long and here you can discover even more flavor notes. Lucky us, we get to take the first sips and decide when each barrel is ready to be bottled! 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. It may take a few batches, but the results will be worth it. Mold seeps through wood and could ruin your barrels interior and your product.

Whiskey barrels are made of wood, which is a natural material that is porous. This deep char delivers a smoky flavor that provides an intricate contrast to the lighter vanilla notes. While all whiskeys are Start by preparing your grains.

To ensure proper drainage, a drill hole for draining a barrel must be drilled. When not at the bottling line, you will see Justin helping out with barreling and organizing the warehouse. Start with a small amount of chips and work your way up until you get the desired amount of flavor. This 5 year old barrel strength bourbon isnt afraid to show its proof, as the nose reveals an underlying layer of ethanol which leaves no doubt that this bourbon is ready to hit hard. However, each tree is distinct, sothese barrels still have significant variations. The Differences Between Wine and Whiskey Barrels, Explained. Sothebys says that the original plan was to release five whiskeys every year, each with different barrel proofs and high age statementswhich sort of sounds like a This is just a combination of the natural acids in your wine crystallizing. Those can be a bit softer and sweeter, with flavors similar to white chocolate or cookie dough. Sherry has worked for over 30 years as an investigator and thrives on learning how even the smallest details can have huge impacts.

We've received your email address, and soon you will start getting exclusive offers and news from Wine Enthusiast. The Bourbon then rests in brand-new oak barrels that have been charred on the inside. HB 5s opposition is critical of the notion that a tax-cut is necessary to keep Kentuckys booming bourbon industry competitive. 6. WebTHE MARKED SIDE (AKA THE MONEY SIDE) There are two lids per whiskey barrel. The longer bourbon remains in the barrel, the more the barrel'sdistinct flavors willsaturate the bourbon. Fit the staves together tightly, using wooden hoops to hold them in place. Hillrock: Pioneered by late master distiller Dave Pickerell, this New York-based distillery crafts a delicious solera-aged Bourbon.

Pick up your glass, tilt it, and place your nose near the rim. Another important tool for fixing barrels is basic: water & steam.

Woodford Reserve ages its whiskey in 1870 stone barrel houses. Seal the barrel with a good quality sealant. The temperature and duration of kiln drying alterthe tannin content and biomass composition. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States.

By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, Open with Caution Once opened, whiskey in the bottle will oxidize faster, and flavor compounds will slowly change and grow dull. We use this tax to help supplement cities. Theres no minimum for how long the spirit needs to stay in the barrel, but most age at least a year or two. If you want, you can try adding a few drops of water to your neat bourbon. It is incredibly toxic to breathe in sulfur dioxide. Level 3 and level 4 chars are most common for bourbon barrels. These temperature fluctuations are beneficial for bourbon, as they drive the whiskey into the wood and speed the maturation process.

Stain the wood of the whiskey barrel. Kate is originally from New Hampshire, and she currently lives in Baltimore with her husband, Gautam, and their dog, Allagash. Let someone else go stand in line for the $300 bottle.

Making this type of bourbon is almost identical to standard bourbons but on a much smaller scale. Allison is a natural-born history buff. While he supports the new law, Waters said he understands the concerns coming from local governments.. It's a legitimate concern, but it's not a zero-sum game, he said. Whiskey aged in bourbon barrels is almost always aged in used barrels. You can buy a bottle on. Barrel dimensions can vary, but a standard 53-gallon barrel yields typically fewer than 200 bottles. Measure the diameter of the barrel's widest and narrowest sections. As our Distillery Events Associate, Michelle is responsible for supervising and facilitating all of our events.