Master Brewers Association of the AmericasPublicationsTechnical QuarterlyTQ Archive2019

​​Spirit Barrel Aging: Processes, Procedures, and Techniques for Small-Scale Programs

MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-56-3-0624-01 | VIEW ARTICLE
 
Julian Shrago. Beachwood BBQ & Brewing, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A.
 
Abstract
Aging of finished beers in used spirit barrels has been conducted for decades. Such beers often take on characteristics of the spirits previously aged in those barrels. Special care and techniques should be employed to ensure beers age cleanly in spirit barrels. Blending of spirit-barrel-aged beers with other beers is a powerful tool for creating composite beers with depth and richness of both flavor and aroma. This paper describes the processes and techniques used by Beachwood Brewing to create spirit-barrel-aged beers. Much of this is driven qualitatively, rather than quantitatively, so consider this more a philosophical outline than a normative scientific guide. Some assumptions have been made that the reader is familiar with barrel filling equipment.