Description
Oak barrel 20 litres in French oak, medium toast
Take your beer, wine or cider a step further with real barrel ageing. This 20-litre oak barrel is made from French oak by Tonnellerie Allary, a traditional cooperage based in Cognac, France.
The barrel has a medium toast and an unwaxed interior, so the drink is in direct contact with the oak. Depending on the contents and ageing time, the barrel can add notes of vanilla, spice, caramel, toasted wood and fine tannins. The result can be more depth, complexity and a rounder flavour.
Medium toast – balanced oak character
Medium toast gives a versatile balance of oak, warm spice notes and a light sweetness. This makes the barrel well suited to several types of drink, including:
- stout, porter, barley wine and strong Belgian beers
- sour beers and other beers for further ageing
- red and white wine
- cider
- whisky, rum and other spirits
Flavour develops faster in a 20-litre barrel than in large barrels, because a larger share of the contents is in contact with the wood. Taste regularly during ageing, so the oak character does not become stronger than you want.
Handmade by Tonnellerie Allary
Tonnellerie Allary is based in Cognac and combines traditional cooperage with carefully selected French oak. The compact format makes real barrel ageing possible at home or in small-scale production.
Preparation before use
Before first use, fill the oak barrel with warm water and leave it for about 24 hours. The wood absorbs water and swells, so the joints become tight. If the barrel still leaks, leave the water in until it is completely tight. Never use boiling water, as it can damage the barrel or affect the wood unnecessarily.
Supplied without tap
The barrel is supplied undrilled and without a tap. If you want a tap, it can be bought separately. You then need to drill a 12 mm hole for the tap.
Product details
- Volume: 20 litres
- Material: French oak
- Toast level: medium toast
- Interior: unwaxed
- Manufacturer: Tonnellerie Allary
- Made in: Cognac, France
- Hoops: galvanised steel
- Dimensions: 44 × 26 × 33 cm
- Wooden stand included
- Supplied undrilled and without tap
A real oak barrel needs a little more attention than ageing in a steel tank or glass, but it lets you create flavours and aromas that only develop through contact with wood.
Frequently asked questions about the 20-litre oak barrel
How do I make the oak barrel tight before use?
Fill the barrel with warm water and leave it for about 24 hours, so the wood swells and the joints seal. If it still leaks, leave the water in until the barrel is completely tight. Never use boiling water.
Is a tap included?
No. The barrel is supplied undrilled and without a tap. The tap is sold separately, and you drill a 12 mm hole for it.
How long should the beer or wine stay in the barrel?
It depends on the contents and how much oak character you want. In a small 20-litre barrel it happens faster than in large barrels, so taste regularly.
What drinks is the barrel suited to?
Medium toast suits stout, porter, barley wine, strong Belgian beers, sour beers, red and white wine, cider and spirits, among others.
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