In olden days, barrels are used for storage and for shipping of goods. But with the invention of big containers and different logistics, their usage is restricted to the process of beverage maturing. Wooden barrels play an important role in the fermentation and maturing processes of wine and other drinks. With out these barrels, they may not reach that level of quality and popularity.
Let us see different beverages in which barrels are for fermenting and aging.
- Whiskey Barrels: Only Oak barrels are used in the preparation of whiskey. Because of the perfect bonding between the elements of oak and the whiskey the miracle happens in it. The storage time of whiskey also varies according to the laws of the nation. In America it has to be matured at least for a period of two years in Oak containers. Scotch whiskey has to be aged at least for three and more years in Scotland.
- Wine Barrels: Wine is fermented both in wooden and steel containers. In case of wooden containers it will gets its natural flavor from oak wood and while in steel containers vanilla flavors will be added to get its natural taste.
- Sherry Barrels: Sherry is prepared in the barrels of oak wood made from North American Oak trees. It is filled up to five sixth of the barrel and some gap will be allowed at the top to allow floor to develop.
- Beer Barrels: Beer is generally stored in steel containers which are called as kegs. They have the capacity of holding 40 liters of beer. Traditional kegs are also made up of wood and are used for storage of different items. There are different types of kegs available like half barrel, mini keg, beer balls are some among them.
So, these barrels play a key role in beverage maturing. The material used for barrels and the time till the beverage stay in the barrel will be decided by a professional wine maker to get the required quality.