The Barrel Mill Blog

With the popularity and prevalence of whiskey, it’s easy to hear a few myths about it. Some of these myths are harmless, but some can also be detrimental to your enjoyment. For this reason, this blog will cover three of the most common whiskey myths and shed light on the truth. The Whiskey Myth About… Read more »

From those just getting into the home brewing and distilling scene, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Why are whiskey barrels charred?” Some historians think the charring process could have stemmed from distillers reusing old barrels that once stored pig parts or fish. The barrels would have been burnt to avoid a… Read more »

With Father’s Day approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift to show your love and appreciation. Traditional Father’s Day gifts include ties, coffee mugs, golf clubs, or maybe even a hat that reads, “Worlds #1 Dad.” However, if you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, consider turning to the whiskey industry. In… Read more »

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 »