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How To Barrel Age Spirits

HOW TO BARREL AGE SPIRITS

How To Barrel Age Your Spirits

Aging spirits is a science, but creating something that tastes just the way you like it? That’s art.
It’s easy to barrel-age your favourite wine, beer, liquor or even cocktail mix. Here’s what you need to get started:
  • an Urban Barrel, cured and ready to be filled.
  • the spirit or cocktail mix of your choice.
  • time.
  • patience.

1. Prepare your barrel:

Make sure your oak barrel is properly cured before using it. To do this, rinse your barrel out three to four time, fill the barrel with hot water for seven days, empty it, fill it again, and repeat the process until the water no longer has any discoloration or a strong oak taste.

2. Choose your spirit or cocktail recipe:

Decide on the type of alcohol or cocktail you want to age in the barrel.

3. Fill the barrel:

Use a funnel to fill the barrel all the way to the top with your chosen spirit or cocktail. Be sure to tighten the bung, so no air can get in.

4. Store the barrel:

Place the barrel in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in extremely hot or cold environments that can cause the natural wood to expand and contract, which can decrease your barrel’s lifespan.

5. Wait for the aging process:
The aging process timing varies depending on the recipe and your preferences. You can age it for as little as three to four weeks or several months depending on the size. Keeping in mind our one, two and three little sizes are meant for rapid acceleration no more then eight weeks.

6. Taste test:

After waiting for the aging process, taste test your spirit or cocktail mix to see if it’s to your liking. If not, continue aging in the barrel until it reaches your desired flavor.

7. Pour and enjoy:

Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the bung from the top hole, turn the nozzle on the spigot to fill your glass and then decanter or bottle, don’t forget to remove the bung during this process. Any batch will continue to age as long as it stays in the barrel. To stop the aging process, transfer your newly aged spirit into glass bottles.

With these simple steps, you can barrel-age your spirits and create a unique and delicious drink that you can share with friends and family or enjoy on your own.