Oak barrel 20L - French oak, medium toast

Oak Barrel 20 liters, French Oak, Medium Toast

Take your beer, wine, or cider to the next level with true barrel aging. This 20-liter oak barrel is made from French oak by Tonnellerie Allary – a traditional cooperage located in Cognac, France.

The barrel has a medium toast and an unwaxed interior, allowing the beverage to have direct contact with the oak. Depending on the contents and aging time, the barrel can add nuances of vanilla, spice, caramel, toasted wood, and fine tannins. The result can be greater depth, complexity, and a rounder taste experience.

Medium toast – balanced oak character

Medium toast provides a versatile balance between oak, warm spice notes, and light sweetness. This makes the barrel well-suited for several types of beverages, including:

• Stout, porter, barley wine, and strong Belgian beers
• Sour beers and other beer types for further maturation
• Red wine and white wine
• Cider
• Whisky, rum, and other spirits

The flavor develops faster in a 20-liter oak barrel than in large barrels, because a larger proportion of the contents are in contact with the wood. Therefore, taste regularly during aging so that the oak character does not become stronger than desired.

Handmade by Tonnellerie Allary

Tonnellerie Allary is located in Cognac and combines traditional cooperage craftsmanship with carefully selected French oak. The compact format makes it possible to work with genuine barrel aging at home or in small-scale production.

Preparation before use

Before first use, the oak barrel should be filled with warm water and allowed to stand for approximately 24 hours. The wood will absorb water and expand, sealing the joints. If the barrel still leaks, let it stand with water until it is completely sealed.

Never use boiling water, as this can damage the barrel or unnecessarily affect the wood.

Delivered without tap

The barrel is delivered undrilled and without a tap. If you want a tap, it can be purchased separately. A 12 mm hole must then be drilled for the tap.

Product details

• Volume: 20 liters
• Material: French oak
• Toast level: Medium toast
• Interior: Unwaxed
• Manufacturer: Tonnellerie Allary
• Place of production: Cognac, France
• Bands: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 44 × 26 × 33 cm
• Wooden stand included
• Delivered undrilled and without tap

A genuine oak barrel requires a little more attention than aging in a steel tank or glass, but at the same time offers the opportunity to create flavors and aromas that only develop through contact with wood.