Urban Barrel Company

Complete Guide to Custom Engraving, Barrel Sizing, Curing, Storage & Maintenance

This guide is designed to give you everything you need to succeed with your barrel—from choosing the correct size, to engraving it properly, curing it correctly, and maintaining it for years of use.

Custom Engraving Guide

Custom engraving transforms your barrel into a one-of-a-kind piece. Because each barrel is made from real American white oak, wood grain, tone, and density naturally vary—this is normal and part of the character of authentic cooperation.

Best Engraving Results

Best engraving results come from bold, high-contrast designs with adequate spacing. Logos, names, dates, short messages, and serial numbering engrave exceptionally well.

Recommended File Formats

Recommended file formats: AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF (vector). High-resolution PNG files with transparent backgrounds are acceptable. Avoid screenshots or low-resolution web images.

Engraving Placement

Engraving placement may be centered on the face of the barrel or placed on the side for secondary information. Minor adjustments may be made to avoid knots and ensure visual balance.

Laser Engraving Effects

Laser engraving creates a burned-in appearance. Variations in darkness are natural and expected due to the wood grain.

3 Barrel Size Guide

Smaller barrels age faster due to higher surface-area-to-volume ratios. Larger barrels age more slowly and offer greater forgiveness. Choosing the correct size depends on patience, tasting discipline, and desired volume.

Barrel Size Description Image
1 Liter Barrel Ideal for rapid experimentation and small batches. Taste every few days. Over-oaking can occur quickly. 1 Liter Barrel
2 Liter Barrel Provides slightly more control than 1L while still aging quickly. Suitable for cocktail aging. 2 Liter Barrel
3 Liter Barrel The most versatile size. Balanced aging speed with enough volume for repeatable results 3 Liter Barrel
5 Liter Barrel Designed for serious home bars and entertaining. Slower extraction and more margin for error. 5 Liter Barrel
10 Liter Barrel Excellent for consistent programs and repeated fills with smoother aging curves. 10 Liter Barrel
20 Liter Barrel Best for long-term projects, large batches, and evolving barrel character over time. 20 Liter Barrel

Curing Your Barrel (First Use)

New barrels must be cured before their first fill. Curing allows the wood to swell naturally, sealing small gaps between staves and preventing leaks.

Curing Steps:

  1. Rinse the barrel with cool water.
  2. Fill one-third full and rotate to wet all surfaces.
  3. Fill completely and insert the bung
  4. Allow the barrel to sit until leaking stops.
  5. Drain fully and fill with your spirit or cocktail.

Minor leaking during curing is normal. Persistent leaks after 72 hours should be reported to support.

Storing Your Barrel Between Batches

Barrels should never be allowed to dry out completely. Dry wood shrinks and will cause leaks to return.

For short storage periods, rinse and keep the barrel slightly moist.

For long-term storage, a holding solution is recommended to prevent microbial growth.

Store barrels in a cool, stable environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • After each batch, rinse thoroughly with warm water until runoff is clear. Avoid detergents or soaps.
  • Sanitize barrels if they develop musty odors or after extended storage.
  • Taste regularly during aging. Small barrels work fast—timing is critical to prevent bitterness.
  • Proper care allows barrels to be reused multiple times, with evolving character each fill.