Where to buy bourbon barrels?

Where to Buy Bourbon Barrels? A Comprehensive Guide

Bourbon barrels are a highly sought-after commodity in the world of whiskey production and distilling. These unique barrels, made from white oak and charred to perfection, impart a distinctive flavor and character to the bourbon, making it rich, complex, and coveted. As a result, many distilleries, homebrewers, and craft breweries are eager to acquire these precious barrels. If you’re looking to purchase bourbon barrels, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process and find the perfect supplier.

Who Can Buy Bourbon Barrels?

Before we dive into where to buy bourbon barrels, it’s essential to understand who can acquire them. Bourbon barrels can be purchased by:

• Distilleries: Commercial distilleries and microdistilleries use bourbon barrels to age and mature their whiskey.
• Homebrewers: Homebrewers and microbrewers can use bourbon barrels to age and condition their beers, adding complexity and character.
• Craft Breweries: Craft breweries, especially those that produce sour beers, saisons, and wild ales, often use bourbon barrels for aging and finishing their products.
• Wine and Spirit Merchants: Wine and spirit merchants can purchase bourbon barrels for customers who want to age their own whiskey or other spirits.

Types of Bourbon Barrels

Bourbon barrels come in different sizes, styles, and conditions, making it essential to understand what you need before making a purchase. Here are some common types of bourbon barrels:

• New American White Oak Barrels: Unseasoned, new oak barrels perfect for aging spirits and whiskey.
• Used Bourbon Barrels: Pre-charred barrels with a rich, flavorful character.
• Fire-toasted Barrels: Barrels toasted over open flames, imparting a distinct smoky flavor.
• Heavy Char Barrels: Barrels charred with a thick, dark char, adding strong, robust flavors.
• Light Char Barrels: Barrels charred with a thin, golden char, imparting delicate, fruity flavors.

Where to Buy Bourbon Barrels?

Now that you understand who can buy bourbon barrels and the types available, let’s dive into the best places to purchase them:

• Bourbon Barrel Warehouses: Companies like [New American Oak, Sterling Cooper Distillery, and Angel’s Envy] specialize in selling new, used, and charred bourbon barrels.
• Wholesale Suppliers: Online wholesalers like [Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Wine Warehouse, and Empire Distributors] carry a range of bourbon barrels for commercial and home use.
• Distillery-Specific Barrel Sales: Some distilleries, like Wild Turkey and Heaven Hill, sell new and used barrels directly to customers.
• Barrel Brokers: Companies like [Barrel & Barrel and The Barrel Yard] act as brokers, connecting buyers with surplus bourbon barrels from various suppliers.
• Online Marketplaces: Websites like [Etsy, eBay, and Craigslist] may have individual sellers or small suppliers offering bourbon barrels for sale.

Best Practices for Buying Bourbon Barrels

When purchasing bourbon barrels, keep the following best practices in mind:

• Inspect the Barrel: Before purchasing, inspect the barrel for any damage, cracks, or signs of leakage.
• Ask About Char Level: Inquire about the char level to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
• Check the Age of the Barrel: Determine the age of the barrel to guarantee it has the desired amount of "first-use" character.
• Check the Shipping and Handling: Verify that the supplier offers proper shipping and handling methods to ensure the barrel arrives safely.

Conclusion

Purchasing bourbon barrels can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the world of distilling and whiskey production. By understanding who can buy bourbon barrels, the different types available, and where to purchase them, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect barrels for your needs. Remember to inspect the barrel, ask about the char level, check the age of the barrel, and verify the shipping and handling methods. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be sipping on some of the world’s finest bourbon in no time.

Table: Bourbon Barrel Suppliers

Additional Resources

For more information on bourbon barrels and where to buy them, visit the following websites:

• American Society of Chartered Bourbon Barristers (ASCBB): www.ascbb.com
• Bourbon Baron’s Guild: www.bourbonbaron.com
• American Distilling Institute: www.americandistilling.org

By combining these resources with the best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect bourbon barrels for your next distilling project. Happy hunting!