How Does a Wood Barrel Work?

Structure of a Wooden Barrel

• A wood barrel comprises staves, heads, and hoops.
• Staves form the body, heads seal the ends, and hoops hold everything together.
• Insides are charred to varying levels, caramelizing sugars and adding complexity based on customer requests.

Aging Process in Wooden Barrels

• Barrels interact with liquids, adding flavor and aroma as wood interacts with the liquid.
• Evaporation occurs through the porous oak, creating a vacuum that draws in oxygen for controlled oxidation.
• French oak provides subtle flavor, while American oak imparts aggressive flavor, utilized by winemakers for desired effects.

Barrel-Making Process

• Barrel-making involves selecting good oak wood, cutting it into staves and heads, and assembling and sealing them into shapes.
• Hoops hold the pieces together as the wood swells, followed by sanding, branding, and maintenance procedures like cleaning and re-charring.