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First and foremost congrats on your purchase of our unique One and Only Bourbon Barrel Aging Experience! Your experience begins here. To get the best out of your barrel journey please use the following guidelines:
The length of time your spirits age and mellow in the barrel depends on your personal taste. Using our smaller sized barrel changes the amount of surface area or wood that comes in contact with our spirits. 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 than traditional barrel aging. That’s what makes Norman’s One and Only Living Bourbon so unique. There is no right or wrong answer here! We recommend tapping and tasting at 6 to 8 weeks from your barreled on date (BOD) but if you just can’t wait and 2 to 4 weeks is your jive then have at it! The whole point of the Norman’s Bourbon Experience is that you are in control!
Temperature also impacts the aging process due to the amount of oxidation that occurs at different temperatures. Each aging experience will differ depending on climate, location and storage. Higher temps accelerate this process while lower temps result in lower oxidation. Ideally, there would be great variations between night and day temperatures. These fluctuations in temperature along with changes in barometric pressure have been shown to actually force the whiskey, wine or ale in and out of the wood, resulting in maximizing flavor and character.
Oxygen enters a barrel when water or alcohol is lost due to evaporation – often called the “Angels Share”. In an environment with 100% relative humidity, very little water evaporates and so most of the loss is alcohol. Your spirit proof & volume may very a bit from the initial contents due to this process. We do not guarantee the proof or volume beyond the BOD. The angels always get their share!
To tap your barrel turn the barrel with logo side up. There is a circle located near bottom of logo. See picture below . Use a 1/2 drill bit and drill almost thru – stop and blow off excess wood chips before punching through. Insert the provided spigot. Please make sure the spigot is in closed position and you are ready to go! When using the spigot loosen the top bung for better flow.
As stated above, you are totally in control of your spirit’s journey. With that being said, typically 8 to 10 weeks in our barrels is equivalent to a 2 year aged bourbon whiskey in a traditional 53 gallon barrel. We recommend consistent tasting of your bourbon whiskey. If left too long in the barrel you may experience an exaggerated oak flavor that could overwhelm the spirit but again you are in control! When the taste is at your liking we recommend decanting your bourbon into a bottle of your choice.
Tips on decanting –
Your barrels can be reused up to a recommended 3 times. You can use the bourbon whiskey barrels to age a variety of spirits, such as scotch, rum, tequila, cocktails and even wine. The options are endless and up to your experimental imagination. The barrel’s bourbon whiskey flavors will add aromatic and flavor compounds such as caramel, hazelnut, spices and honey, to whatever you choose.
Ideally, your barrels would always be filled. Used barrels require no special preparation beyond a simple water rinse when transferred out and in immediately. If you plan to use at a later date and store empty, rinse several times with clean water and drain thoroughly. Remove the spigot and bung/cork to promote airflow and store out of sunlight in a cool and optimally humid area. You can also wrap the barrel in plastic to help. When ready to reuse your barrels the barrels may need to be re-swelled and sanitized. This should be done at every re-use. Fill the barrel with a solution of Barolkleen and hot water mixed using the following proportions. Leave for 24 to 48 hours.
As barrels are a wood product, they are subject to the wood drying and shrinking. Norman’s Bourbon, LLC offers no guarantee against shrinking, evaporation of spirits or final proof. We only guarantee the original label statement at BOD.
In order for the spigot to flow freely, please remember to remove the bung/cork before opening the spigot – pour from the spigot – then close the spigot and then replace the bung/cork.
To keep your barrels performing and looking their best, please keep them stored in a protected area away from the elements and optimally in a cool, relatively humid area.
To avoid barrel hoop rings from rusting, please keep the exterior of the barrels dry.
Avoid water stains by using a funnel to carefully fill your barrels when reusing.
Sandpaper will generally remove any stains or marks on your barrels.
As the barrels are handcrafted, liquid volume is approximate.
You should be able to reuse your barrel up to 3 times… remember that each time aging will take longer than the previous one.
Please do not nail or put screws into the hoops or staves as doing so will compromise the oak and might cause damage or leakage.
For your safety, if using chemicals to clean/sanitize your barrels, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
I know your experience with Norman’s One and Only Living Bourbon will be extremely exciting and fulfilling. My hope is that this experience will be shared with family and friends bringing us all closer together in the spirit of joy, fellowship and adventure.
Cheers!
