Oak barrel 55L - French oak, medium toast

55-liter French Oak Barrel, Medium Toast

Create greater depth, complexity, and true barrel character with this 55-liter oak barrel from Tonnellerie Allary. The barrel is made from French oak by traditional coopers in Cognac, France.

The interior has a medium toast and is unwaxed, allowing the beverage direct contact with the wood. Depending on the content and aging time, the oak can impart notes of vanilla, spice, caramel, toasted wood, and fine tannins.

The barrel is suitable for barrel aging beer, wine, cider, and spirits, and the 55-liter size is well-suited for larger homebrews, small-scale production, and professional product development.

Medium Toast – Balanced Oak Character

Medium toast provides a versatile balance of oak, light sweetness, warm spice notes, and roasted aromas. This makes the barrel well-suited for, among other things:

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

How much oak character the beverage acquires depends on factors such as aging time, alcohol content, temperature, and how many times the barrel has previously been used.

Controlled Maturation of Larger Batches

A 55-liter barrel has a lower ratio of wood surface to liquid than a 20-liter oak barrel. Flavor development will therefore normally occur more gradually, allowing more time to monitor the development and find the desired balance.

Compared to traditional wine and whisky barrels over 200 liters, a 55-liter barrel can still provide relatively quick contact with the oak. We therefore recommend tasting regularly during aging.

Produced by Tonnellerie Allary

Tonnellerie Allary is located in Cognac and combines traditional cooperage craftsmanship with carefully selected French oak. The barrel's unwaxed interior provides maximum contact with the wood, making it well-suited for the development and maturation of various beverages.

Preparation Before Use

Before first use, the barrel should be filled with hot water and left for approximately 24 hours. The wood will absorb water and expand, sealing the joints.

If the barrel still leaks after 24 hours, leave it with water for a little longer until it is completely sealed. Then empty the barrel before filling it with the desired beverage.

Delivered Without Tap

The oak barrel is delivered undrilled and without a tap. If you want a tap, it can be purchased separately. A 16 mm hole must be drilled for tap installation.

Product Details

• Volume: 55 liters
• Material: French oak
• Toast Level: Medium toast
• Interior: Unwaxed
• Manufacturer: Tonnellerie Allary
• Place of Production: Cognac, France
• Hoops: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 62 × 34 × 44 cm
• Wooden stand included
• Delivered undrilled and without tap
• Hole for separate tap: 16 mm
• Volumetric weight for shipping calculation: 18.5 kg

A real oak barrel requires more attention than aging in steel or glass, but it also offers the opportunity to develop aromas, flavors, and complexity that only arise through maturation in wood.