The Barrel Mill Blog

The whiskey aisle features many types of spirits. For new whiskey drinkers (and even seasoned aficionados) it can be a daunting isle to walk down and even more daunting to make a selection. There are, however, several characteristics that highlight the differences in whiskey and can significantly assist in the whiskey selection process.  Types of… Read more »

Social media and the internet are thoroughly integrated into our lives, meaning trends seem to come and go faster and ever. The pressure to keep up with changing times is felt in almost every industry, but it’s important not to lose your brand’s identity by trying too hard to appeal to trends. That said, staying… Read more »

Flour, nails, and wine might not seem to have anything in common with each other, but all three have been transported via barrels at some point throughout history. Since their inception nearly three thousand years ago, wooden barrels have been used to store and transport all manner of goods. However, with the advent of more… Read more »

Cooperage is the process of creating wooden barrels, casks, and similar items. The word itself dates back to Middle English around 1350 and 1400; however, the barrel and cask creation process dates back much further than that. The Origin of Cooperage The first recorded instance of casks or barrels occurred in the Roman Empire before… Read more »

St. Patrick’s Day is a whiskey holiday, and while some may contest that it is day for green and grins, with the United States accounting for $1.1 billion in revenue for Irish distillers, it just might be both. However, with a quick walk down the whiskey isle, it becomes obvious just how vast and distinct… Read more »

Whisky barrels serve an important purpose in the flavor profile of your favorite brew. Barrel aging has many factors that make each batch of whiskey unique. Barrel aging improves flavor profile and adds flavors like vanilla, oak, and various fruits. When again brews, wine, and spirits in wooden barrels, storage methods can alter flavor, the length of… Read more »

The holiday season is rapidly approaching again. You’ve likely seen the first few festive commercials on TV promoting holiday travel, shopping, and meals. An image often conjured up during the holiday season is people huddled around the fireplace or campfire with their favorite beverage: eggnog, hot chocolate, or a glass of whiskey.  Pairing whiskeys with… Read more »

Homebrewing is a popular hobby. It’s also one that comes with a lot of trial and error. If you are not familiar with the process of treating a wooden barrel, maintaining a brew, and properly storing your finished product, you might go through more attempts than you might like. Take a look at a few… Read more »

The leaves are changing color. Temperatures are much cooler. Folks are packing up their shorts and tank tops and breaking out their fall knits. There are many characteristics of fall in the Midwest, and one big change is the resurgence of hard ciders. Aesthetically, there is something about whiskey barrels that just screams fall. They… Read more »

Wooden whiskey barrels often have the most unique flavor profiles. Many major distillers use aged wooden barrels to create the richest, most distinctive tasting spirits. If a wooden barrel used for distilling whiskey, bourbon, scotch, or another specialty liquor encounters a leak, don’t automatically replace it. The barrel might need a repair or adjustment and… Read more »