The Best Barrel Size For You:
Many of our aspiring whiskey connoisseurs and barrel agers start out making batches in our smaller 2L and 5L barrels. The nice thing about aging spirits is that quantities can be made in any size – from 1/4 gallon at a time and up!
Our 20L barrels will produce approximately 25 bottles of wine or spirits (about 2 cases). We’ve found that if you’re going to invest the time and effort in making a batch of wine, a reasonable quantity should be made.
Conversions:
1L Barrel - .26 Gallons - 1.3 750mL bottles
2L Barrel - .53 Gallons - 2.5 750mL bottles
5L Barrel - 1.3 Gallons - 6.5 750mL bottles
10L Barrel - 2.6 Gallons - 13 750mL bottles
20L Barrel - 5.28 Gallons - 26 750mL bottles
Using a smaller sized barrel changes the amount of surface area or the amount of wood barrel in contact with the contents. This larger ratio of wood to liquor has a direct impact on the flavor and length of the aging process and is the very reason that aging in a smaller barrel is much faster. For example, liquor can be aged out in four to six months when aging in a 20 L barrel versus years and years using the standard large 53-59 gallon barrel.
The rule of thumb for aging in smaller barrels:
• 20 L Oak Barrel – four to six months
• 10 L Oak Barrel – two to four months
• 5 L Oak Barrel – four to six weeks
• 2 L Oak barrel – two to four weeks
• 1 L Oak Barrel – one to two weeks
Barrels with painted black steel hoops are particularly susceptible to moisture. When the outside of the barrel gets wet, it has a tendency to feather out and stain the barrel, making for a rustic/ weathered look. If you prefer a neater, cleaner look ... check out the galvanized hoops.