The History of Used Rum Barrels

The history of used rum barrels is fascinating, but what are their actual characteristics? In this article, we’ll help you discover the origins, size, and attributes of these barrels, as well as some interesting facts about the history of rum. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for when purchasing a used rum barrel.

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Historical Context

The historical context of used rum barrels is interesting, and the reason they are so valuable can be traced back to their use in the preservation of food. As a result of the popularity of the drink, barrels were used to store food and transport natural resources, such as salt from New England and whale oil. These commodities required thousands of barrels, and the barrels themselves were used to store the goods.

In the ancient world, the fermented spirit was transported in clay amphoras and was aged in oak casks at sea. This was not an uncommon practice in those days, and the barrel was the dominant shipping container until the nineteenth century when sealed bottles replaced barrels. Until the mid-19th century, rum and arrack were colonial products and only began to enter the western market.

Origin

The name barrel is the etymology of the word ‘barriclus.’ It originated in the medieval Latin language, and in 1423, the word became standardized in a law passed by the Parliament of the time. However, the actual meaning of the word barrel varied depending on the location and the type of liquid being stored. The name has remained somewhat ambiguous throughout history, though it has been attributed to various terms.

The actual process of making rum barrels is quite different from that of whiskey casks. Whiskey barrels made from charred oak are just as likely to find their way to Caribbean islands as they do to the Scottish Highlands. In contrast, used rum barrels have little detail about where the casks came from or even the style of their former inhabitant. Instead, rum producers often refer to a keg as ‘used’ with broad geographical brushstrokes.

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Size

The size of used rum barrels has many factors to consider, including the type of spirit it’s intended to age. Larger barrels are more expensive than smaller ones, but you don’t want to skimp on flavor. Smaller barrels have a higher surface area to volume ratios, making them more efficient for aging rum. Furthermore, small barrels do not sacrifice the quality of your rum.

The best way to select the right barrel for your intended purpose is to consider the batch size of the rum you’re planning to age. If you’re looking for a larger barrel, you’ll have to pay more, but a barrel that’s a little smaller is still a significant investment. They also make excellent additions to your decor.

Characteristics

Used rum barrels vary significantly in the characteristics of their flavor. The type of oak used will impact the final taste of the liquor, and most distilleries carefully match blends to the ideal casks for the spirit. While new American oak barrels are the most popular, many rums are aged in older barrels, which may impart more subtle flavor notes. While used barrels may be less expensive than brand-new ones, they are worth their weight in gold.

The barrel aging process begins with the introduction of oxygen, which encourages the development of esterification, a chemical reaction between alcohol and an acid. While oxygen is not essential for the development of esters, ethanol can be oxygenated to form acetaldehydes, which serve as the building blocks for esters. While esterification is slow, it can happen over a long period of time. In addition to wood, outside factors like climate can influence the maturation of a barrel’s contents, including the temperature and moisture content of the environment.

Location

Among the factors that affect the final flavor of rum is the location and type of wood used in its aging process. The amount of oxygen and the amount of toasting that occurs on the barrels also determine the final taste of the spirit. The age of a cask and its capacity also affect the flavor, and the country from which the materials to make it were sourced can affect the amount of evaporation. To ensure maximum flavor from the used barrels, you should store the rum at a temperature below 40 degrees Celsius.

The prominent wooden casks used for aging rum are ex-bourbon American white oak barrels, which are 200-liter barrels that impart vanilla and coco lactones to the spirit. However, some rum producers use other wood finishes or whisky casks. Oak is the most common wood used in barrels, but some rum companies use other exotic woods, such as Acacia.

Price

If you’re looking for used rum barrels for sale, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a single barrel or an entire collection, rum barrels for sale are an excellent way to save money on a great product. Many rum barrels for sale come with discounts, but you must contact the seller to arrange shipment conditions.

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Conclusion

Rum barrels are used for aging liquors like whiskey, scotch, and tequila. Many homebrewers are also looking to buy used rum barrels. However, rum barrels are not only great for aging alcohol or liquor. Homebrewers can age beer in a barrel that has been used for aging rum. This way, you won’t have to buy two different liquors to get a unique taste.

At Rocky Mountain Barrel Company, we offer a variety of used rum barrels for sale. Take your pick today!