Whisky Forum - whisky in a barrel

sorren · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 5:50 pm Post subject: whisky in a barrel

I have read in a few places about people wanting to buy a barrel of whisky, if i wanted to get a small wooden barrel made and fill it myself how would i go about preparing the barrel, EG for flavour and in a small barrel does the whisky age faster?? thanks...

Charlie · Master Of Malts Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Posts: 1409

Hi sorren

Yes the whisky will mature much faster in a smaller barrel. I have thought about doing this myself but still havent gotten around to it. I asked about this on here earlier last year and got some great advice/info on maturing your own whisky in a small barrel from Islayonspey aka Rene. You will find his post here:
http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511&start=15

Charlie

sorren · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much for that,, my mouth is watering at the thought of trying it.... Top Malt

sorren · Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 7:28 pm Post subject:

I have found a small second hand barrel which has held different wines, i was wanting to know does the wood stop absorbing after so long or can i re fill with port then my whisky for a port finish ? also is there a way of cleaning the barrel between batches if i want to do different finishes..... thanks in advance

Gregor · Master Of Malts Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 798

As far as cleaning the barrel between batches i would simply fill it with water although not chlorinated tap water, then leave it for a while and this should flush the barrel a bit.

Be carefull if the barrel has been empty for a long time as it may have dried out and it may not be well sealed and may leak badly and the angels will get more than there fare share of whisky. A tip i was given relating to cutting the angels share is to wrap the barrel in cling film.

sorren · Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 5:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that,
I belive it has been empty some time so if i fill with water for a few days should it expand again and re seal ??

Gregor · Master Of Malts Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 798

It should be obvious if it leaks, even with a small drip you would lose a lot of the contents of the barrel in a short period. Filling it with water for a while may help seal any small leaks or drips. If it has larger leaks the barrel would need reconstructed to seal it properly and you would need the skill of a cooper to do that.

Have you tried filling it to see if it does leak?

sorren · Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 6:10 pm Post subject:

I havnt got my hands on it yet but i know it leaks, just how bad im not sure, i was thinking if i fill it and leave for a few days it should expand enough to re seal, i may be wrong ( i usually am )

Samson · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 12:47 am Post subject:

You may be lucky sorren and the water will swell the wood and seal the barrel but if the leak is bad it will need reconstructed. Worth a try if you are getting the barrel for free but if you are paying do not pay too much for it.

sorren · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 7:17 pm Post subject:

I got the barrel and yes dont you know it it is a leaky old thing, I will try soaking it for a while but if it doesnt stop ill try to reconstruct it, all i need now is a few ideas of what to fill it with - my first thoughts are first fill will be port followed by a basic glenmorangie or maybe auchentoshan, as these are the drinks i enjoy.
i was also woundering if i fill with a bourban then fill with say a glenmorangie and leave for a good period of time should the whisky age better than it would if it is filled first with a port or sherry ?
Next question is what other liquids will finish off the whisky? does a good red wine do anything or is it now time just to try whatever i feel like... i can see my shed ending up with a vast row of barrels Laughing

whisky tasting night anyone ??

Kenny M · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 860

Good luck on getting it sealed but i would advise not using it even with a slight leak as it will take no time at all to lose all the whisky.

If you do get it sealed then basically it is a matter of personal choice what you put in it. The wood will do the work on the whisky. But if you wish you can cure the wood with port or sherry before removing it and putting the whisky in or just simply put your whisky in and let the wood do its work on the whisky. Hope it all goes well.

sorren · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:38 pm Post subject:

Hi,
I have let the barrel soak for 24 hrs and although the leak has almost stopped im not 100% sure it will fully seal, is there anything out there that is safe to use that will not affect the whisky ? or is it just a case of maybe making new parts.... thanks

Islay Pete · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 10:00 pm Post subject:

You could keep water in it for a week or so maybe even longer it may still seal. I wouldnt use anything on it as it may contaminate the barrel/whisky. Are there metal bands around the barrel which you could try moving a little to tighten and pull the staves in closer and maybe seal it or perhaps tighten a strap around the barrel to pull the staves in to tighten it.

sorren · Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 5:51 pm Post subject:

Hi,
The rings are now as tight as i can get them, but i may just try using a strap, i may just have to have a few new strips made for the barrel or just invest in a new one.....

sorren · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:03 pm Post subject:

Ok ive gone and done it, 2ltrs of port have just gone in the barrel, just a case of waiting now. I still havent made up my mind which base whisky to use Rolling Eyes

All i need now is a willing person to taste it Laughing