Do Small Oak Barrels Age Liquor Faster?

Do liquors mature faster if we use small oak barrels for aging? It is a common question asked by many spirit enthusiasts. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” In general, small oak barrels can be used to age higher proof spirits in less time, as they are denser and have a higher surface area per volume, resulting in flavors that are richer, more intense, and more complex.

Here’s what you need to know about this nifty little barrel and the factors you will need to consider before using small oak barrels for aging.

1. Barrel Size

Multiple factors influence how quickly a liquor will age, but it all boils down to the size of the barrel. The smaller the barrel, the quicker the aging process will be. One of the biggest reasons why smaller used oak barrels age liquor faster is the fact that they have a larger surface area to volume ratio, which means that the liquor will be able to absorb more wood sugars much more quickly. Another reason is that the wood in small barrels has less tannin, so it produces finely aged spirits in a much shorter time. Therefore, the size of the barrel directly correlates to the length of time the liquor will need to be aged in an oak barrel.

2. Type of Oak Wood

In addition to the size of the barrel, the type of oak wood is a critical factor in how long a liquor will age. European oak is denser than American white oak and much better suited for making a small whisky barrel for aging purposes. Furthermore, the prior occupant of the barrel and whether or not they used it will also impact the final flavor of the spirit.

3. Barrel Wood Porosity

Checking the porosity of small oak barrels is also essential for aging bourbon in small barrels. The higher the porosity, the higher the alcohol content will be. A barrel with 55% to 65% porosity will retain more alcohol and other compounds than a barrel with lower porosity. However, it is important to note that this process requires a lot of expertise, years of practice to master, and patience.

4. Storage Conditions

Aside from this, storage conditions can also affect how fast the liquor ages. Temperature and humidity play an important role in the aging process as higher temperatures lead to greater oxidation, which leads to an increase in acids, esters, tannins, furfural, and aromatic compounds. Moreover, the humidity level of the barrel can make the spirit taste sour. For example, the aging process is much faster in a tropical climate than in a temperate one. In temperate climates, low-porosity used oak barrels are the best choice. In general, keeping them in a cool, dry place will make the best tasting final product.

5. Level of Charring

Lastly, the charring level of the oak’s cell walls that helps impart a distinctive flavor to the liquid will also affect the oak barrel aging process. The charring of the inside of the small oak barrel acts as a charcoal filter that helps to impart a subtle oak flavor to the liquor and allows for a more natural and more flavorful spirit.

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Benefits of Using Small Oak Barrels For Aging

Small used oak barrels impart the characteristic oaky flavors much faster than a large barrel. In fact, the smaller the size of the wooden barrel, the quicker the oak flavor will be imparted. For example, a small barrel, which is about half the size of a standard 53-gallon barrel, can accelerate the aging process by between two to six times. While a large oak barrel can take months to achieve this, a small one can yield a more fruity, more complex flavor in a much shorter time, weeks or even days. Therefore, a small oak barrel allows the spirit to develop finer characteristics in a shorter period of time, but the ideal amount of time a liquid is aged in an oak barrel will depend on the tastes and preferences of the drinker.

Using small oak barrels for aging is more cost-efficient than using a large barrel. While a large oak barrel may be the best choice for large-scale professional brewers, smaller-sized used oak barrels are the best choice if you prefer a cheaper, lighter spirit. Also, even though a small barrel will impart oak flavors quickly, it will be necessary to check on it periodically. The best way to determine the exact amount of time a spirit will need to be aged in the oak barrel is to sample the alcohol after every few weeks. Therefore, a small oak barrel is better for making wine, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages in your home. Not to mention, smaller oak barrels are naturally more space-efficient!

Personal Homebrew Barrel Aging Tips

Small-sized used oak barrels are a great option for personal homebrewing use. However, whether or not you’re going to choose a small oak barrel or a large one depends on your personal taste. Also, you should make sure that the aging time is based on your taste preferences. Since the length of time that an alcoholic beverage will spend in a small oak barrel aging can vary greatly, it’s up to you how long you would prefer your liquor to age. However, the amount of time that the small oak barrel has been in use will also affect the characteristics of the final spirit. So once the oak flavor has been imparted, you should pour it into your favorite bottle or decanter to avoid spoilage.

Now that you know why it’s better to use small oak barrels for aging your homemade brews, you can look for the best quality small-sized used oak barrels, including used bourbon barrels, used wine barrels, and used whiskey barrels in our online shop.