Commercial Barrel-Aging

Learn why different bourbon and whiskey barrel char levels changes how the oak interacts with beer, cider, mead and other brews aging inside the barrel.

The most popular used barrels for barrel-aging are bourbon and rye whiskey barrels, which can accentuate and add flavors to many beers and other beverages.

One way to make sure a used whiskey, bourbon or wine barrel won't leak is to pressure test. Here are two methods of checking pressure and the tools needed.

Craft brewers, winemakers, mead makers and other barrel-aging pros use a Vinnie nail, a small to medium stainless steel nail to sample from barrels.

Craft brewers and homebrewers can't fill whiskey/bourbon and wine barrels if they're leaking. Here's how to prevent leaks with swelling and other methods.