Category Archives: Barrels and Aging

The Best Oak For Aging Whiskey

Image of diy distilling diy distilling what is the best oak for aging whiskey french oak american oak

Oaking or ‘aging’ whiskey is what gives it all of it’s color, and a lot of its taste an aroma. In fact, Dan Szor, CEO and Founder of Costwalds Distillers estimates that wood contributes 60% to 70 % towards the taste of the final whiskey product. “Wood is known to take out the bad through{…}

How To Age Whiskey (Complete Guide)

Image of diy distilling how to age whiskey the complete guide to oak barrels and aging whiskey

Aging whiskey is one of the most important aspects of this wonderful elixir. It’s the bridge between an okay-tasting whiskey and a perfectly smooth, intensely flavored drink. Whether you want to age your own whiskey, or just like reading about aging whiskey, here’s everything you need to know about the art. How Do You ‘Age’ Spirits?{…}

Toasted vs. Charred Barrels (Explained)

The relationship between the type of barrel and spirit characteristics is something that most coopers and winemakers have been wondering about. If you want to understand the difference between a toasted and charred barrel, and how these affect the flavors of the beverage aged in them, this article is for you. Toasted vs. Charred Barrels{…}

How to Make Pitorro At Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Pitorro is a popular Puerto Rican drink, especially during special occasions. It follows the same{...}

The Best Still For Making Whiskey (In 2024)

With so many whiskey-making stills on the market, choosing one that will cater to your{...}

The Best Still For Making Vodka (In 2024)

I make a lot of gin, and to make gin you need vodka first. Over{...}

The Best Thermometer For Distilling (In 2024)

One aspect that allows us to create high-quality spirits hinges on having a reliable and{...}

How To Cut Heads and Tails When Making Gin

One question we get asked a lot in the Facebook group and our Ask an{...}

A Distillers’ Guide To Excise Duty (Excise Tax Considerations)

From the Author: This article has been written as a necessity given the variety of{...}