Frequently Asked Questions
Barrel Questions:
WHAT ARE YOUR BARRELS MADE FROM? Our barrels are made from premium quality American White Oak. The staves are air dried for two years and all barrels have a medium char.
HOW DO I “CURE” MY BARREL? Barrels should be cured prior to use. Start by filling the barrel with boiling or hot water and leave it to soak for 3 to 5 days. This allows the barrel to swell tightly against the hoops and ensure the barrel doesn’t leak.
ARE GLUES OR NAILS USED TO MAKE THE BARREL? No, our barrels are all hand crafted with no use of glues or nails.
HOW SHOULD THE BARREL BE STORED? Barrels are best stored in a cool, damp environment such as a wine cellar. This will keep the exterior from drying out and minimize evaporation. (The Angel Share)
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I USE MY BARREL? With proper care you can use your barrel for many, many years. Following the cleaning and re-charring instructions will insure a long life for your barrel. Be sure to not let your barrel dry out.
I LET MY BARREL DRY FOR AN EXTENDED TIME. NOW IT LEAKS, WHAT DO I DO? In many cases, just re-cure the barrel. If it continues leaking, submerge the barrel in water for a couple of days. After it’s been submerged, dry the exterior with a towel and fill it with water to see if it continues to leak. If so, find the leak and apply barrel wax to the hole…If you can’t stop the leaking, cut in half and use as a planter……..
Bootleg Kits:
HOW DO I GET SCOTCH FROM A BOTTLE OF VODKA, MOONSHINE OR EVERCLEAR? When alcohol is distilled, either from potatoes, corn, fruit, grain or sugar cane, it produces Ethanol, clear and tasteless alcohol. Distilleries then flavor and filter the alcohol to get their unique flavor. Each manufacturer ages their spirit in their own unique way, most times in an oak barrel. Vodka is the only alcohol you can buy in an unflavored form. When mixed with a bottle of Swish Barrel Premium Essence, you can recreate the taste of many of the famous brands.
Aging Spirits:
HOW LONG DO I AGE MY SPIRITS? There is no magic formula for the perfect time to age your spirits. Age to taste. We suggest you taste your spirits every week and once aged to YOUR taste and liking, start drinking or move to a glass to stop the aging process.
WHAT ARE YOUR BARRELS MADE FROM? Our barrels are made from premium quality American White Oak. The staves are air dried for two years and all barrels have a medium char.
HOW DO I “CURE” MY BARREL? Barrels should be cured prior to use. Start by filling the barrel with boiling or hot water and leave it to soak for 3 to 5 days. This allows the barrel to swell tightly against the hoops and ensure the barrel doesn’t leak.
ARE GLUES OR NAILS USED TO MAKE THE BARREL? No, our barrels are all hand crafted with no use of glues or nails.
HOW SHOULD THE BARREL BE STORED? Barrels are best stored in a cool, damp environment such as a wine cellar. This will keep the exterior from drying out and minimize evaporation. (The Angel Share)
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I USE MY BARREL? With proper care you can use your barrel for many, many years. Following the cleaning and re-charring instructions will insure a long life for your barrel. Be sure to not let your barrel dry out.
I LET MY BARREL DRY FOR AN EXTENDED TIME. NOW IT LEAKS, WHAT DO I DO? In many cases, just re-cure the barrel. If it continues leaking, submerge the barrel in water for a couple of days. After it’s been submerged, dry the exterior with a towel and fill it with water to see if it continues to leak. If so, find the leak and apply barrel wax to the hole…If you can’t stop the leaking, cut in half and use as a planter……..
Bootleg Kits:
HOW DO I GET SCOTCH FROM A BOTTLE OF VODKA, MOONSHINE OR EVERCLEAR? When alcohol is distilled, either from potatoes, corn, fruit, grain or sugar cane, it produces Ethanol, clear and tasteless alcohol. Distilleries then flavor and filter the alcohol to get their unique flavor. Each manufacturer ages their spirit in their own unique way, most times in an oak barrel. Vodka is the only alcohol you can buy in an unflavored form. When mixed with a bottle of Swish Barrel Premium Essence, you can recreate the taste of many of the famous brands.
Aging Spirits:
HOW LONG DO I AGE MY SPIRITS? There is no magic formula for the perfect time to age your spirits. Age to taste. We suggest you taste your spirits every week and once aged to YOUR taste and liking, start drinking or move to a glass to stop the aging process.
