The art of barrel aging spirits and cocktails has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years, moving from the exclusive domain of commercial distilleries into home bars across North America. What was once a mysterious craft practiced by master distillers is now accessible to anyone with a passion for exceptional spirits and unique flavor profiles.

At Urban Barrel Company, we've created cocktail barrel aging gift sets that are the perfect solution for enthusiasts who want to dive into this timeless tradition without the guesswork or complexity. Our ready-to-use kits include everything you need to start aging spirits and cocktails from day one.

Understanding Barrel Aging: A Timeless Tradition

Barrel aging transforms ordinary spirits into extraordinary libations through a natural process that has been perfected over centuries. When spirits rest in our oak barrels, they undergo a complex metamorphosis. The wood imparts rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, spice, and toasted oak while simultaneously mellowing harsh alcohol notes. The porous nature of oak allows for micro-oxygenation, which helps develop depth and complexity that simply cannot be achieved through any other method.

Traditional distilleries age their spirits for years, but our home barrel aging kits offer a distinct advantage: the smaller the barrel, the greater the surface-area-to-volume ratio, which dramatically accelerates the aging process. Our one-liter barrels can achieve in weeks what might take months or even years in commercial-sized casks. This makes barrel aging at home both practical and exciting, with noticeable transformations happening in just days.

Also Check : American White Oak Aging Barrels

Why Choose Our Ready-to-Use Barrel Aging Kits?

While purchasing a standalone barrel is an option, our ready-to-use gift sets offer significant advantages for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. These comprehensive kits eliminate the learning curve by including everything needed to begin the aging journey immediately. From the barrel itself to accessories, cleaning solutions, and often flavor essences, our sets are designed to deliver success from the very first pour.

Our gift sets also make exceptional presents for whiskey lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates craft beverages. They represent thoughtfulness and sophistication, offering an experience rather than just a product. The recipient gains not only premium barrels but also the knowledge and tools to explore barrel aging as a hobby or passion.

About Urban Barrel Company

We've established ourselves as a premier source for handcrafted oak aging barrels in Canada. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, we specialize in creating premium barrels specifically designed for aging spirits and cocktails at home. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in every barrel we produce, with each one carefully constructed from premium American white oak to ensure optimal aging results.

Our Philosophy

What sets Urban Barrel Company apart is our understanding that barrel aging should be accessible to everyone. Our products range from compact one-liter barrels perfect for apartment dwellers to larger five-liter options for serious enthusiasts. We offer complete gift sets that bundle everything needed for successful aging, making it easy for Canadians and international customers alike to embark on their barrel aging adventures.

Where We Deliver

We're proud to serve customers throughout Canada and the United States with fast, reliable shipping. We offer convenient delivery to communities across the Ottawa region and beyond:

Ottawa & Immediate Area:

• Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orleans
• Gloucester, Stittsville, Manotick, Rockcliffe Park
• Vanier, Cumberland, Greely, Riverside South
• Carp, Munster, Fitzroy Harbour

Gatineau Region (Quebec):

• Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer
• Chelsea, Wakefield, Cantley
• Val-des-Monts, La Pêche

Ottawa Valley & West:

• Arnprior, Carleton Place, Almonte
• Perth, Smiths Falls, Lanark
• Renfrew, Pembroke, Petawawa
• Deep River, Chalk River
• Eganville, Barry's Bay

Eastern Ontario:

• Kingston, Brockville, Cornwall
• Belleville, Trenton, Picton
• Gananoque, Prescott
• Winchester, Kemptville, Merrickville
• Morrisburg, Alexandria

Greater Ontario:

• Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton
• Ottawa, London, Hamilton
• Kitchener, Windsor, Sudbury
• Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie

Plus shipping across all provinces and the USA

No matter where you're located, we'll get your barrel aging gift set to you safely and promptly.

Customer Education & Support

Our dedication to customer education is equally impressive. We provide comprehensive guides, recipes, and support to help you achieve the best possible results. Whether you're aging bourbon, rum, whiskey, or crafting barrel-aged cocktails like Manhattans or Negronis, our expertise ensures you'll have the knowledge and tools for success.

The Science Behind Small Barrel Aging

Our small barrel aging operates on the same principles as commercial aging but with accelerated timelines. Oak wood contains compounds called lignins, which break down during the toasting process to create vanillin (vanilla flavor) and other aromatic compounds. Tannins in the wood contribute astringency and structure, while hemicellulose breaks down into simple sugars that add sweetness and body.

The charring or toasting level of the barrel interior also plays a crucial role. Light toasting preserves more natural oak character, while medium char levels develop caramelized sugar notes and vanilla. Heavy char creates bold, smoky flavors ideal for bourbon and whiskey. Our quality barrel aging kits feature medium char levels, which provide balanced flavor development suitable for various spirits.

Temperature and environment affect aging speed as well. Warmer environments accelerate extraction, while cooler spaces slow the process. This variability allows you to experiment and develop your preferred aging profiles through trial and observation.

Also Check : 1L–5L Oak Aging Barrels: Your Complete Guide to Aging Spirits at Home

Our Featured Cocktail Barrel Aging Gift Sets

1. 1L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set - $265 CAD

Our 1L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set represents the perfect entry point for anyone curious about barrel aging. This comprehensive kit includes a handcrafted one-liter oak barrel with a wooden spigot, making it ideal for small-batch aging experiments. The compact size is perfect for apartment living or limited bar space, yet provides enough capacity to age several bottles of spirits or create impressive barrel-aged cocktails.

This set comes complete with all necessary accessories to begin aging immediately. The one-liter capacity is particularly well-suited for testing different spirits and aging times without committing large quantities. Many users start with this size to develop their palate and understanding before scaling up to larger barrels. The included components ensure proper barrel preparation, maintenance, and serving, making it truly ready to use straight from the box.

Best for: Beginners, apartment dwellers, gift-giving, cocktail experiments

Shop 1L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set

2. 3L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set - $298 CAD

Our 3L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set strikes an excellent balance between capacity and aging speed, making it a favorite among intermediate enthusiasts. This three-liter barrel provides enough volume to age multiple bottles while still maintaining the rapid flavor development that makes small barrel aging so appealing. The larger capacity also means less frequent refilling, allowing you to establish longer aging rhythms.

This gift set includes everything needed for successful aging, from the premium oak barrel to essential maintenance supplies. The three-liter size is versatile enough for serious bourbon aging projects, cocktail batching for gatherings, or experimenting with different spirits simultaneously. Many cocktail enthusiasts prefer this size for creating large batches of barrel-aged Manhattans, Negronis, or Old Fashioneds that can serve groups of friends.

Best for: Intermediate enthusiasts, party preparation, cocktail batching, regular home bar use

Shop 3L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set

3. 5L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set - $320 CAD

For serious enthusiasts or those who entertain regularly, our 5L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set offers impressive capacity without sacrificing the benefits of small barrel aging. Five liters provides enough volume to age significant quantities of spirits while still delivering faster results than commercial-sized barrels. This size is ideal for someone committed to making barrel aging a regular part of their home bar program.

The comprehensive gift set includes all necessary accessories for barrel care and maintenance, ensuring long-term success with your aging projects. The five-liter capacity allows for more ambitious aging experiments, such as finishing bourbon with different char levels, aging entire bottles of whiskey, or preparing large batches of cocktails for special occasions. This investment-level kit demonstrates serious commitment to the craft and delivers results that rival commercial offerings.

Best for: Serious enthusiasts, frequent entertainers, ambitious aging projects, event preparation

Shop 5L Oak Aging Barrel Gift Set

4. 1L Bourbon Barrel Kit - $145 CAD

Our 1L Bourbon Barrel Kit is specifically designed for bourbon enthusiasts who want to create authentic Kentucky-style bourbon at home. This specialized kit includes a one-liter barrel along with bourbon-specific essences and ingredients to achieve that classic bourbon profile. It's an excellent choice for someone interested in the bourbon-making process specifically rather than general spirit aging.

What makes this kit unique is its focus on recreating the bourbon experience from start to finish. The included flavor essences allow users to experiment with different bourbon styles, from smooth wheated bourbons to spicy high-rye expressions. The kit provides clear instructions for achieving optimal bourbon aging results, taking the guesswork out of the process. This makes it perfect for bourbon lovers who want to explore the craft without extensive research.

Best for: Bourbon lovers, beginners, gift-giving, bourbon-specific projects

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5. 3L Bourbon Barrel Kit - $195.95 CAD

Our 3L Bourbon Barrel Kit takes bourbon-making to the next level with increased capacity and comprehensive components for creating larger batches. This kit is ideal for bourbon enthusiasts who have mastered the basics and want to produce more substantial quantities of their favorite spirit. The three-liter capacity allows for more ambitious bourbon projects while maintaining the accelerated aging timeline.

Like our smaller bourbon kit, this set includes specialized bourbon essences and detailed instructions for achieving professional-quality results. The larger volume means you can age multiple bourbon recipes simultaneously or commit to longer aging periods that develop even more complex flavor profiles. This kit represents the sweet spot between hobbyist and serious practitioner, offering the capacity and flexibility to truly refine your bourbon-making skills.

Best for: Experienced bourbon makers, larger batches, multiple recipe experimentation, serious hobbyists

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Getting Started with Your Barrel Aging Gift Set

Once you receive your barrel aging gift set from us, proper preparation ensures the best possible results. Begin by filling your barrel with hot water and allowing it to sit for 24-48 hours. This curing process swells the wood, ensuring the barrel is properly sealed and ready for spirits. After curing, the barrel should be thoroughly rinsed and can immediately begin its aging career.

Choosing Your First Project

Choose your first aging project carefully. Many enthusiasts start with white spirits like vodka or moonshine, which provide a blank canvas for the oak to work its magic. Others prefer to age quality whiskey or bourbon to enhance already good spirits. Cocktail aging is another popular option, with Manhattans, Negronis, and Old Fashioneds being particularly well-suited to barrel treatment.

Monitoring Progress

Monitor your aging progress regularly by sampling small amounts every few days. The transformation happens quickly in our small barrels, and it's easy to over-age spirits if you're not paying attention. Keep detailed notes about timing, spirit types, and flavor development to refine your technique with each batch.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Our barrel aging gift sets make exceptional gifts for:

• Weddings and anniversaries
• Milestone birthdays (40th, 50th, 60th)
• Retirement celebrations
• Housewarming parties
• Father's Day and Christmas
• Corporate gifts and client appreciation
• Groomsmen and wedding party gifts

Need customization? We offer engraving and personalization options to make your gift truly unique. Contact us for bulk pricing on wedding favors and corporate orders.

Transform Ordinary Spirits into Extraordinary Experiences

Our cocktail barrel aging gift sets offer an accessible gateway into a centuries-old tradition. These ready-to-use kits eliminate complexity while delivering authentic aging results that transform ordinary spirits into extraordinary experiences. Whether you're buying for yourself or searching for the perfect gift for a spirits enthusiast, our comprehensive sets provide everything needed to begin this rewarding hobby.

The combination of quality craftsmanship, comprehensive components, and thoughtful design makes our gift sets stand out. From the compact 1L sets perfect for beginners to the substantial 5L options for serious enthusiasts, we have an option for every level of interest and commitment. Barrel aging at home is no longer a distant dream—it's an achievable reality that begins with choosing the right gift set.

Ready to start your barrel aging journey? Browse our complete collection at urbanbarrelcompany.com or contact us for personalized recommendations, customization options, and answers to all your barrel aging questions.

Transform your home bar. Create unforgettable spirits. Experience the art of barrel aging with Urban Barrel Company.