FAQ

A: Bochart offers a diverse selection of European Oak barrels to suit various needs, including Cherry, Mulberry, Vinegar Oak, Pickle Oak, and Kombucha Oak Barrels. Each barrel is designed for optimal aging and fermentation, ensuring the finest taste and aroma for your beverages.

A: Our barrels come in a wide range of sizes, starting from 1.3 gallons up to 60 gallons, to accommodate different requirements and preferences.

A: Bochart barrels are made exclusively from natural European Oak, ensuring durability and elegance. The barrels come with stainless hoops, a stand, bung, and spigot. Customers can choose between galvanized and brass hoops for added customization.

A: Yes, Bochart offers a custom engraving service to personalize your barrel with a family name, special message, or unique design. Please provide the desired engraving details when placing your order.

A: Bochart offers a variety of barrel types designed for specific applications. Cherry and Mulberry barrels are ideal for aging and fermenting beverages that benefit from the unique flavors and characteristics of these woods. Vinegar Oak barrels are specifically designed for making vinegar, Pickle Oak barrels for pickling, and Kombucha Oak barrels for fermenting kombucha. Each barrel type is crafted to enhance the taste and aroma of its intended contents.

A: The appropriate barrel size depends on your specific requirements, such as the volume of beverage you plan to age or ferment, the available space for barrel storage, and your budget. Smaller barrels (1.3 to 10 gallons) are suitable for home enthusiasts, while larger barrels (20 to 60 gallons) are ideal for commercial producers or those with greater production needs.

A: The toasting level of a barrel refers to the charring or heating applied to the interior surface during the barrel-making process. Light toasting is generally recommended for white wines, as it imparts subtle flavors and tannins. Medium toasting suits red wines and some spirits, providing a balance of flavor, tannin, and color. Heavy toasting is ideal for bourbon, corn whiskey, and tequila, enhancing the bold flavors and darker color associated with these beverages.

A: Yes, Bochart barrels are designed for long-term storage and aging. The high-quality European Oak and solid craftsmanship ensure that the barrels provide optimal conditions for aging beverages, maintaining the desired temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels needed for the fermentation process.

A: Proper maintenance and care are crucial for preserving the longevity and performance of your barrel. Before use, thoroughly rinse the barrel with clean water to remove any debris or dust. Regularly inspect the barrel for leaks or damage and ensure the hoops are tightened as needed. Clean and sanitize the barrel between uses to prevent contamination, and store it in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area when not in use.

A: While it is possible to use a single barrel for multiple types of beverages, it is important to note that the flavors and characteristics of each beverage may be impacted by the previous contents of the barrel. To maintain the unique taste and aroma of each beverage, we recommend using separate barrels for different types of drinks.

A: The European Oak used in Bochart barrels imparts unique flavors, tannins, and aroma compounds to the beverage during the aging process. The oak’s natural porous structure allows for a controlled exchange of oxygen, enabling the maturation and development of complex flavors in the beverage.

A: The maturation time for a beverage in a Bochart barrel depends on various factors, including the type of beverage, the barrel size, the toasting level, and the desired flavor profile. Generally, wines may take several months to a few years to mature, while spirits like whiskey and bourbon can take anywhere from two to twenty years. Always taste your beverage periodically to determine its readiness for consumption.