The Best Whiskey Barrels
Whether whiskey is paired with a good meal or used as a reward after a long stressful day of work, many of us love the feeling of sipping a fine glass of this fine liquor. While there's plenty of fun to be had when the whiskey is just poured from the bottle, the taste can get a whole lot better when it's been aged in a whiskey barrel. That's why we decided to find the best whiskey barrels, to help you enjoy the best nightcaps. When it comes to finding the best whiskey barrels on the market, we asked ourselves three main questions: Is the barrel constructed well? Does it hold up reliably against leaks? After being aged in the barrel, will the whiskey improve in taste? Our top pick was from Sofia’s Findings. It really knocked it out of the park with its sturdy, beautiful construction, leak-proof barrel, and tasty results after the aging process. We also loved American Oak Barrel with their complete bundle. It's perfect for getting anyone started with whiskey-making thanks to the step-by-step directions for making delicious Kentucky bourbon. To learn more about the rest of our favorites, keep reading.
Sofia’s Findings Custom Engraved American Oak Whiskey Barrel
The perfect whiskey companion
This high-quality, handcrafted whiskey barrel from Sofia’s Findings is great for personal and commercial use, as well as for professional bartenders and amateur drink mixers alike. Made of beautiful American Oak, this barrel is ready to be customized with whatever design and message you like to give it your own personal flair.
Pros:
- The barrel looks really clean and well put together. It works great even when just sitting on display.
- Not only is this barrel very well constructed, but it also comes at a very fair price.
Cons:
- The paint on the engraving may smear a little.
Red Head Barrels Charred American Oak Whiskey Barrel
For old times' sake
For a simpler, more classic-looking aesthetic, Red Head Barrels offers a decoration-free Charred American Oak Whiskey Barrel for all your aging and drink serving needs. At only 1 liter, this space-saving barrel can easily fit on any countertop or shelf. Beautifully and sturdily crafted, this classic whiskey barrel will last you years of delightful drinking.
Pros:
- This one is versatile, so you can age different drinks, from stouts to rye whiskeys, without losing the smokey flavor.
- Aging spirits is fast and easy with this barrel.
Cons:
- It may take multiple attempts at curing before the barrel is leak-free.
American Oak Barrel Personalized Engraved Barrel
A personalized present
For a gift that’s sure to please any friend or relative who enjoys a good drink or two, you can’t go wrong with American Oak Barrel’s personalized aging barrel. This barrel can be engraved with a fancy design or your friend’s name for a more personal touch. It’s the perfect gift that’s ready to fit in at any home bar.
Pros:
- This barrel provides a superb taste to aged spirits. It’s capable of turning even unsavory tasting whiskey into a delicious drink.
- We love the fresh, long-lasting oak smell of this whiskey barrel. It gives an earthy, refreshing scent to the air when you walk by.
Cons:
- There is a chance that that barrel may still leak slightly even after the curing process and require barrel wax to seal.
Red Head Barrels Custom Engraved 20-Liter Oak Whiskey Barrel
Keep the drinks flowing
Whether it’s for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or any other celebration, this large 20-liter whiskey barrel from Red Head Barrels has plenty of room to store drinks for all sorts of party-goers. With the added ability to engrave a custom design onto the barrel, it not only remains functional but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece at any table. And because the construction is so leak-proof, you can leave your whiskey sitting in there for ages.
Pros:
- After whiskey and other spirits have been aged in the barrel for varying lengths of time, they’ll develop a great taste.
- We love how well this serves as a decorative piece. The beautiful wood and personalized engraving add a beautiful rustic charm to any hangout or event.
Cons:
- Due to its size, it takes a bit of effort to properly cure the barrel.
American Oak Barrel Kentucky Bourbon Making Kit and Aging Barrel
Recipe for success
If you or someone you know is a true whiskey connoisseur, then you’re sure to love American Oak Barrel’s whiskey-making and aging kit. This two-for-one deal includes everything you need to make your own handcrafted Kentucky Bourbon and care for both the barrel and the first batch of spirits. With a recipe to walk you through every single step, this kit is suitable for both hobbyists and newcomers.
Pros:
- With the added option to personalize the barrel, this kit makes a great novelty item for the bar or a gift for a friend.
- The included recipe makes a delicious-tasting bourbon after being aged in the barrel.
Cons:
- If the barrel isn’t rehydrated before use, it is prone to some slight leakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I let my whiskey age in the barrel?
The length for aging any type of spirit is really ultimately up to personal discretion. You can let it age for a week or two, a few months, or even several years. As your whiskey (or whatever spirit you’ve chosen) ages, the taste will change and develop over time. It’s good to do a taste test every so often to see how you like how the whiskey is developing and then remove the liquid and place it into storage when it reaches the perfect taste for you.
What steps do I need to take to properly cure my barrel?
To start, place the spigot in the hole of the barrel and fill the barrel with warm water. It will likely swell and start to leak, but this is normal. Periodically top the barrel off with more warm water. After the barrel stops leaking – which may take anywhere between two days to a whole week – you can then drain the water and use your barrel as you please.
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