{"id":9080,"date":"2024-05-30T09:55:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T08:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rolling-beers.fr\/info\/?p=9080"},"modified":"2024-07-16T09:55:55","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T08:55:55","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-oak-barrels-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rolling-beers.fr\/info\/en\/the-ultimate-guide-to-oak-barrels-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to oak barrels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aging in oak barrels is no longer reserved for professionals\u2026 And yes, we’re entering into our stocks a mini chai of 4 to 25L barrels ! \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to the fascinating world of aging beer in oak barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ultimate guide will take you on a journey through the nuances of this age-old practice. Perfected over time by major breweries such as Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen and Jester King, wooden barrel aging is now opening up to home brewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Buy oak barrels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What’s the difference between barrels and casks ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It lies mainly in their size and place of origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barrels and casks are relatively interchangeable. They are generic terms that do not specify capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barrique\u00a0\u00bb is a much more precise term. It’s a \u00ab\u00a0f\u00fbt\u00a0\u00bb (barrel) used by Bordeaux wineries, with a capacity of 225 liters and a height of 93cm. The circumference must be 1.84m at the \u00ab\u00a0head\/end\u00a0\u00bb and 2.17m at the \u00ab\u00a0bouge\u00a0\u00bb (swollen part).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"barrique
Bordeaux barrels<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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What’s the name of a barrel tap ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While we’re on the subject of appellations, the oak barrel tap has a very specific name: the \u00ab\u00a0Chantepleure\u00a0\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This information isn’t crucial, but you’ve got to admit it’s a funny name \ud83d\ude1d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"chantepleure<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why are the barrels made of oak ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before oak, it was common practice to use chestnut wood for transporting and storing wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem: this type of wood confers astringency and extremely powerful tannins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oak became the wood of choice for barrels because of its unique properties.
It is hard enough to withstand the pressure of the liquid and porous enough to allow good internal synergy.
It also imparts distinctive flavors and aromas, including notes of vanilla, coconut, roast and spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to use an oak barrel ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\"fut<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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This proverb by Paul Morand, which can be seen everywhere at Brasserie Cantillon, perfectly represents the experience of aging in oak barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Above all, it’s a story of patience\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skills of a cellar master are not acquired overnight. However, the art of aging beer is not an insurmountable challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re tempted by the idea of aging a fine farmhouse brew, here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Seal and clean the oak barrel <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you receive your keg, it’s very important to reconnect it. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Insert the \u00ab\u00a0chantepleure\u00a0\u00bb into the hole provided and make sure it’s secure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Fill the wooden barrel by half with boiling water mixed with salt (15\/20g per liter).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Close the barrel and stir well to moisten the entire inner surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Leave to stand for at least two days, stirring twice a day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Empty the barrel, rinse thoroughly and leave to dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Fill with heated white wine and keep it full for 10 days (you’ll need to check and top up occasionally, as the wood can absorb up to 10% of the liquid).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Finally, empty the barrel without rinsing and leave to dry.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Now you can age the beverage of your choice in your magnificent oak barrel !<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If, after aging, you’d like to clean your wooden barrel, you can :<\/p>\n\n\n\n