Did you know, the smaller the barrel, the quicker the alcohol aging process? If you are looking for sourcing solutions for your bulk alcohol product needs, then you’ve come to the right place. Almost everyone has a bottle of alcohol tucked away in their freezer or cabinet.
However, you may be wondering, is this alcohol still good enough to consume? From bulk storage to small storage, understanding how to cultivate the proper environment for your alcohol will be important. Ensure your liquor lasts longer, tastes better and stands the test of time with these tips and tricks.
Here’s what you need to know about the process of bulk storage:
- Barrel Aging Storage
- General Storage Tips
- Brindiamo Group Helps Companies get into the Alcohol Business
Barrel Aging Storage
The process of barrel aging alcohol, while not used to store every liquor, is often considered an artform. For consistently delicious, perfectly aged liquors, you must consider the barrel size, the time spent in the barrel, and the environment in which the barrel lives. As aging liquor takes place over time, the amount of toast or char of the barrel plays a significant role in attaining the desired flavor profile.
Following the placement of a spirit in a barrel, the first few months are crucial because this is when most changes occur. Aged spirits integrate seamlessly with the natural flavors of barrels to create a palatable liquor over time. In particular, Irish whiskies and single malt scotches must be aged at least three years. Alternatively, liquors in the Tequila family will need to be barrel aged for at least one year, but not more than three.
When aging spirits, it’s important to note that a barrel’s impact on the liquid inside decreases the more times it is used. Old barrels are often used for aging cognac, Tequila, and Scotch whiskey. With that in mind, barrel aging is also influenced by the environment in which the barrels are placed. As the wood materials that make up the barrels naturally breathe, the process of slowly oxidizing the spirits works to further break up the compounds, forcing liquid flavor integration.
Types of Oakwood Used for Barrel Aging Spirits
- American White Oak: Great for aging whisky, bourbon, and scotch. Characterized by fragrant notes of vanilla, caramel, and coconut.
- Mongolian Oak: Referred to as Japanese Oak or Mizunara. Distinguished by flavors of spiced rye, oriental incense, and sandalwood tones.
- European Oak: Flavors of spice, vanilla, and bitter undertones. Offers a tighter grain structure and is more absorbent than other barrels.
- Sessile Oak: Known as the Irish oak, this is commonly found in Europe and used for aging cognac.
General Storage Tips
Cooler Temperatures
In general, distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum and tequila should be stored at room temperature. Although some experts suggest the ideal range is between 55 and 60 degrees.
Keeping your bulk product in a relatively cool place preserves your liquid much longer. If the temperature is too high, the alcohol can expand and evaporation will occur much more rapidly. Although storing your bulk product in a warm place won’t harm your health, the liquor inside your glass containers or barrels will oxidize too quickly and develop different tastes over time.
Contact Brindiamo Group today to learn more about the bulk sourcing process!
Standing Bottles
Industry professionals often encourage connoisseurs to store bottles of wine on their sides. However, when it comes to small batch liquor, or bulk barrels, this is not the case. As a result of tilting your liquor containers down in storage, rather than placing containers upright, corks, barrel woods and so many other variables can mix with the liquid and alter the taste. Rather than cause disintegration over time, be sure to keep your bottles, or bulk containers vertical for best storing results.
Fill up Containers
Full bottles of liquor last longer than ones with just a little left over. Generally speaking, the smaller the amount in a bottle, cask, or barrel, the more quickly oxidation will occur. Avoid speeding up the oxidation process by finishing a bottle off, or refilling your bulk stored containers more quickly with a reliable liquid sourcing agent.
BRINDIAMO GROUP HELPS COMPANIES GET INTO THE ALCOHOL BUSINESS
Investing in the right liquor for you or your business can be a difficult feat, especially if you’re new to the alcoholic beverage industry. When considering whether or not to invest in the alcohol industry, you may need some more help deciding what is right for you. Brindiamo Group helps facilitate productive conversations with the right partners.