Why Use Whiskey Barrels?

Whiskey barrels are not just for distilleries. You can use them at home to blend your own whiskey and create unique craft cocktails. Using a mini whiskey barrel or a whiskey aging barrel can significantly enhance the flavor and quality of your whiskey. Let's dive into how you can do this.

The Magic of Barrel Aging

Barrel aging is crucial for whiskey. The barrels allow the whiskey to interact with the wood, which adds depth and complexity to the flavor. When you age whiskey in a barrel, it absorbs compounds from the wood, like tannins, vanillin, and lignin. These compounds contribute to the rich, smooth taste that whiskey lovers cherish.

Choosing the Right Barrel

For home use, a mini whiskey barrel is ideal. These smaller barrels have a larger surface area relative to their volume, which speeds up the aging process. You can find high-quality American White Oak barrels from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. Their barrels are crafted with precision, ensuring the best aging experience.

Setting Up Your Barrel

Preparing Your Barrel

First, make sure your whiskey barrel is properly cured. Fill it with hot water and let it soak for a few days. This process helps the wood expand, sealing any leaks. Once your barrel is leak-proof, empty the water and let it dry.

Adding Your Whiskey

Pour your favorite whiskey into the barrel. If you're blending different whiskeys, mix them before adding them to the barrel. Fill the barrel completely to minimize air contact, which can affect the aging process.

The Aging Process

Patience is Key

Aging whiskey requires patience. For a mini whiskey barrel, aging can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The barrel's smaller size accelerates the process, so keep an eye on the flavor development.

Tasting and Adjusting

Periodically taste your whiskey. Use a small sample to check its progress. If the flavor is to your liking, you can bottle it. If not, let it age a bit longer. The beauty of using a whiskey aging barrel at home is that you have complete control over the aging process.

Crafting Cocktails with Aged Whiskey

The Perfect Base

Once your whiskey has aged to perfection, it's time to use it in cocktails. Aged whiskey has a depth of flavor that can elevate any cocktail. Use it as a base for classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour.

Experimenting with Flavors

Don't be afraid to get creative. Use your aged whiskey to experiment with new cocktail recipes. The rich, complex notes of the aged whiskey can complement a variety of flavors, from citrus to spice.

Tips for the Best Results

Store Properly

Store your mini whiskey barrel in a cool, dark place. Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can affect the aging process and the quality of your whiskey.

Rotate the Barrel

To ensure even aging, rotate the barrel occasionally. This helps the whiskey interact with all parts of the barrel, enhancing the flavor.

Clean and Reuse

After bottling your whiskey, clean the barrel thoroughly. You can reuse it for aging more whiskey or even other spirits like rum or tequila. The more you use your barrel, the more complex and unique the flavors will become.

Conclusion

Using whiskey barrels at home for blending and crafting cocktails is a fun and rewarding hobby. With a mini whiskey barrel from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co., you can create unique, high-quality whiskey right in your own home. The aging process adds depth and complexity to your whiskey, making it perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails. So, get your barrel, be patient, and enjoy the journey of whiskey aging. Cheers!

The Essence of Bourbon Flavoring

When it comes to bourbon, aging in American oak barrels is essential. It's more than just storing the spirit; it's about transforming it. The process of aging bourbon in these barrels profoundly impacts the flavor, turning a raw spirit into a smooth, complex delight. So, let's explore how American oak barrels work their magic on bourbon flavoring.

The Role of American Oak Barrels

Why American Oak?

American oak is the go-to choice for aging bourbon. The wood is rich in compounds like vanillin, tannins, and lignin, which are crucial for whiskey flavoring. These compounds interact with the bourbon, infusing it with flavors that make it unique.

The Aging Process

Charred to Perfection

One of the key steps in preparing American oak barrels for bourbon aging is charring. The inside of the barrel is charred to different levels, creating a layer of charcoal. This layer filters out impurities and adds a rich, smoky flavor to the bourbon. The charring process is crucial as it caramelizes the wood sugars, which then dissolve into the bourbon, adding sweetness and complexity.

Time and Patience

Aging bourbon takes time. As the bourbon rests in the barrel, it expands and contracts with temperature changes, allowing it to soak in the flavors from the wood. This process can take several years, but the results are worth the wait. The longer the bourbon ages, the deeper and more complex the flavor becomes.

Flavor Transformation

Vanilla and Caramel Notes

One of the first flavors you'll notice in aged bourbon is vanilla. This comes from the vanillin in the oak. As the bourbon ages, it absorbs these vanilla notes, creating a smooth, sweet profile. Along with vanilla, caramel flavors emerge from the caramelized wood sugars, adding a rich sweetness that balances the bourbon's bold character.

Spice and Smoke

The tannins in American oak contribute to the spicy notes in bourbon. These can range from a subtle hint of pepper to a bold, spicy kick. The charred layer of the barrel also adds smoky undertones, giving the bourbon a depth that is both intriguing and satisfying.

Fruit and Nutty Flavors

As the bourbon continues to age, it develops more complex flavors. You might notice hints of dried fruit, like cherries or apricots, and even nutty notes like almonds or pecans. These flavors come from the slow breakdown of lignin in the wood, adding layers of complexity to the bourbon.

The Impact of Barrel Size

Smaller Barrels, Faster Aging

Using smaller barrels, like those from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co., can speed up the aging process. The larger surface area relative to the volume of bourbon means more contact with the wood. This results in faster flavor extraction, allowing home enthusiasts to enjoy aged bourbon without waiting for years.

Consistency and Quality

Smaller barrels also offer more consistency. Each batch of bourbon aged in a mini barrel can be carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure the perfect flavor profile. This is especially beneficial for home distillers and hobbyists experimenting with different aging times and flavor combinations.

Tips for Home Aging

Choose Quality Barrels

When aging bourbon at home, start with high-quality barrels. Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. offers American White Oak barrels that are handcrafted and charred to perfection. These barrels provide the ideal environment for aging bourbon, ensuring the best possible flavors.

Monitor and Taste

Regularly taste your bourbon as it ages. This lets you monitor the flavor development and decide when the desired profile has been acquired. Remember, the aging process is dynamic, and even a few weeks can make a major difference in flavor.

Experiment with Blends

Don't be afraid to experiment. Try blending bourbons aged for different lengths of time or using barrels with different char levels. This can create unique and personalized flavor profiles that are tailored to your taste.

Conclusion

Aging bourbon in American oak barrels is an art that transforms a simple spirit into a complex, flavorful masterpiece. The interaction between the bourbon and the wood adds layers of vanilla, caramel, spice, smoke, and even fruit and nutty flavors. Using high-quality barrels, like those from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co., can elevate your home aging experience. So, grab a barrel, be patient, and enjoy the journey of discovering the rich and intricate flavors of aged bourbon. Cheers!

The Perfect Gift for Whiskey Enthusiasts

Finding the ideal gift for a whiskey lover can be challenging. However, a whiskey infusion kit from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. is an ideal choice. It's unique, versatile, and offers endless possibilities for creating personalized whiskey flavors. Let's explore why a whiskey infusion kit is the ultimate gift for whiskey aficionados.

What is a Whiskey Infusion Kit?

Unleashing Creativity

A whiskey infusion kit allows you to infuse your whiskey with various flavors. The kit typically includes a mini whiskey barrel, infusion ingredients, and instructions. With these tools, you can create custom-flavored whiskey at home. It's a fun and creative process that lets you experiment with different tastes and aromas.

How to Use a Whiskey Infusion Kit

Simple and Enjoyable

Using a whiskey infusion kit is straightforward. First, select your base whiskey. Then, choose the infusion ingredients provided in the kit. Common options include spices, fruits, herbs, and even coffee beans. Add these ingredients to your whiskey in the mini barrel and let it sit for a specified period. The longer it infuses, the richer the flavor becomes.

Enhancing Whiskey Flavor

Customizing to Taste

One of the best things about a whiskey infusion kit is the ability to customize flavors. You can create a whiskey that perfectly matches your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a hint of cinnamon, a touch of vanilla, or a burst of citrus, the kit lets you experiment and find your ideal blend.

Quality Ingredients

Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. ensures that their kits come with high-quality infusion ingredients. The American White Oak mini barrels are charred to perfection, enhancing the whiskey's flavor. The infusion ingredients are carefully selected to complement the whiskey without overpowering its natural character.

A Unique Experience

Engaging and Fun

Using a whiskey infusion kit is not just about the end result; it's about the experience. It's engaging and fun, making it a great activity for whiskey enthusiasts. You can involve friends and family, making it a social event. Sharing the process and tasting the final product together adds to the enjoyment.

Educational Value

For those interested in learning more about whiskey, the infusion kit offers educational value. It provides insight into how different flavors interact with whiskey. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the whiskey-making process and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Ideal for All Occasions

Versatile Gift

A whiskey infusion kit is a versatile gift suitable for various occasions. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or a thoughtful gesture, it will surely impress. It's also a great gift for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those new to the spirit.

Elegant Presentation

Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. packages their whiskey infusion kits beautifully. The elegant presentation makes it a standout gift. The mini barrel, infusion ingredients, and instructions are all neatly arranged, ready to be gifted.

Creating Memorable Moments

Perfect for Gatherings

A whiskey infusion kit can create memorable moments. Imagine hosting a gathering where guests can infuse their whiskey and taste the different creations. It's a great way to start conversations and make the event special. The process of infusing whiskey together fosters connection and shared enjoyment.

Lasting Memories

The memories created with a whiskey infusion kit last long after the whiskey is gone. Every time the recipient enjoys a glass of their custom-infused whiskey, they'll remember the fun and creativity involved in making it. It's a gift that keeps on giving, providing enjoyment and fond memories.

Conclusion

A whiskey infusion kit from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. is the perfect gift for whiskey lovers. It offers a unique, engaging, and customizable experience. With high-quality ingredients and an elegant presentation, it's ideal for any occasion. Whether you're looking to impress a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or introduce someone to the world of whiskey, this kit will surely delight. So, give the gift of creativity and flavor with a whiskey infusion kit, and make lasting memories with every sip. Cheers!

Barrel aging beer adds depth and complexity to your brew, creating unique flavors that can't be achieved through standard brewing methods. Using an aging whiskey barrel or an oak aging barrel from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. can elevate your beer to new heights. Here are ten essential things to consider when barrel aging beer.

1. Choose the Right Barrel

Type of Barrel

The type of barrel you choose significantly impacts the flavor of your beer. An aging whiskey barrel, previously used to age whiskey, will add rich, smoky notes to your beer. On the other hand, an oak aging barrel offers a more neutral base, allowing the natural flavors of the oak to shine through.

Barrel Size

Consider the size of the barrel. Smaller barrels have a larger surface area relative to the volume of beer, which can speed up the aging process. This makes mini barrels from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. an excellent choice for homebrewers looking for quicker results.

2. Prepare the Barrel

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Before using your barrel, make sure to clean and sanitize it thoroughly. Fill the barrel with hot water and let it soak to ensure it's watertight. After that, sanitize it to eliminate any unwanted bacteria or yeast that could spoil your beer.

3. Choose the Right Beer Style

Flavor Compatibility

Not all beer styles are suitable for barrel aging. Strong, robust beers like stouts, porters, and barleywines are ideal candidates. Their bold flavors can stand up to and complement the intense characteristics imparted by the barrel.

4. Timing is Everything

Duration of Aging

The length of time you age your beer in the barrel will affect its flavor. Generally, aging can range from a few weeks to several months. Regularly taste your beer during the aging process to monitor its development and prevent over-aging, which can lead to an overpowering oak flavor.

5. Temperature and Humidity Control

Optimal Conditions

Store your barrel in a cool, dark place with stable temperature and humidity levels. Fluctuations can affect the aging process and the quality of your beer. A basement or a dedicated beer cellar is ideal.

6. Monitor Oxygen Exposure

Minimize Oxidation

While some oxidation is inevitable and can add complexity, too much can spoil your beer. Ensure your barrel is properly sealed to minimize oxygen exposure. Using a barrel from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co., known for their quality craftsmanship, can help reduce the risk of excessive oxidation.

7. Experiment with Additives

Enhancing Flavors

Don't be afraid to experiment with additives like fruits, spices, or coffee beans during the aging process. These can complement the flavors from the barrel and create a truly unique beer. Remember to add them in moderation and taste regularly to avoid overpowering the beer.

8. Blending for Balance

Perfecting the Final Product

Blending barrel-aged beer with fresh beer can help achieve a balanced flavor profile. This technique allows you to fine-tune the intensity of the oak and whiskey notes, ensuring a harmonious blend. Start by blending small samples to determine the right ratio before committing to larger quantities.

9. Bottling and Carbonation

Finishing Touches

Once your beer has reached the desired flavor, it's time to bottle it. Ensure your bottles and equipment are thoroughly sanitized to prevent contamination. You can carbonate the beer naturally by adding a small amount of sugar before sealing the bottles or use a carbonation system if you prefer.

10. Patience and Enjoyment

The Final Reward

Barrel aging beer requires patience, but the results are worth the wait. Enjoy the process and the anticipation of tasting your unique creation. Once your beer is ready, share it with friends and fellow beer enthusiasts to appreciate the complex flavors you've crafted.

Conclusion

Barrel aging beer is a rewarding process that adds depth and character to your brew. By considering these ten essential factors, you can create a remarkable beer using an aging whiskey barrel or an oak aging barrel from Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. Remember, the key to successful barrel aging is patience and experimentation. So, embrace the journey and enjoy the unique flavors that barrel aging brings to your beer.

The Role of Oak Barrels in Winemaking

Oak barrels have been used in winemaking for centuries, playing an important role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and overall character of the wine. Whether it's an oak barrel, an oak whiskey barrel, or an oak aging barrel, the interaction between the wine and the wood is what creates a unique and complex profile. Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. provides high-quality barrels that are perfect for this process.

How Oak Barrels Influence Wine

Flavor Enhancement

The primary effect of aging wine in an oak barrel is the enhancement of flavor. As the wine ages, it absorbs compounds from the oak that impart distinctive flavors like vanilla, caramel, and spice. This process adds depth and complexity, making the wine more enjoyable and interesting to drink.

Tannins and Texture

Oak barrels also contribute tannins to the wine, which affect its texture and mouthfeel. Tannins provide structure and a certain dryness that can balance the fruitiness of the wine. Over time, the tannins from the oak integrate with the wine, making a smoother and more harmonious texture.

The Impact of Different Oak Barrels

American vs. French Oak

There are different types of oak barrels, with American and French oak being the most common. American oak imparts more robust flavors, like vanilla and coconut, making it ideal for bold red wines. French oak, on the other hand, offers more subtle and refined flavors, like spice and toast, which can complement both red and white wines.

Reused Oak Whiskey Barrels

Using an oak whiskey barrel for aging wine is another fascinating option. These barrels, previously used to age whiskey, add unique flavors and aromas to the wine. The residual whiskey compounds can infuse the wine with hints of smoke, caramel, and spice, creating a distinctive and memorable profile.

The Aging Process

Time and Patience

The aging process in an oak barrel requires time and patience. Wine can be aged anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the desired outcome. During this time, the wine undergoes modest changes as it interacts with the wood, developing richer flavors and a more complex character.

Oxygenation

One key benefit of using an oak aging barrel is controlled oxygenation. The porous nature of oak allows small amounts of oxygen to seep into the wine. This slow, steady exposure to oxygen helps soften the tannins and enhance the wine's aromatic complexity. It also helps prevent the development of undesirable flavors that can occur with excessive oxidation.

The Craft of Barrel Selection

Choosing the Right Barrel

Selecting the right oak barrel is crucial for winemakers. The size, age, and type of oak all influence the final product. Smaller barrels have a more surface area-to-volume ratio, which means they impart more flavor to the wine in a shorter period. New barrels contribute more intense oak flavors, while older barrels offer more subtle nuances. Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. offers various barrels that cater to different winemaking needs.

Barrel Maintenance

Proper maintenance of oak barrels is essential to ensure the best results. This includes regular cleaning and sanitizing to prevent contamination and spoilage. Winemakers also need to monitor the barrels for leaks and make repairs to maintain the integrity of the aging process. Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. ensures their barrels are of the highest quality, making maintenance easier.

The Art of Blending

Achieving Balance

Blending wines aged in different oak barrels can create a balanced and complex final product. Winemakers often blend wines from new and old barrels, or from barrels made of different types of oak, to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This artful blending process allows them to fine-tune the wine's profile to their specifications.

Experimentation

Winemaking is as much an art as it is a science. Experimenting with various types of oak barrels and aging times can lead to discovering unique and exciting flavors. Whether it's using an oak whiskey barrel for a hint of smokiness or an American oak barrel for robust flavors, the possibilities are endless. Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. provides the perfect tools for these experiments.

Conclusion

Oak barrels are an integral part of the winemaking process, significantly impacting the flavor, texture, and complexity of the wine. Each type brings unique characteristics to the wine, from American oak barrels to reused oak whiskey barrels. By understanding the effects of oak barrels and mastering the art of barrel aging, winemakers can create exceptional wines with depth, richness, and a truly distinctive profile. Thousand Oaks Barrel Co. offers the highest quality barrels to help winemakers achieve these results. So, the next time you enjoy a sip of wine, take a moment to appreciate the oak barrel's role in crafting its unique flavor.

In the ever-evolving world of mixology, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts are continually seeking innovative ways to tantalize the senses and create unforgettable drinking experiences. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is the art of smoking cocktails. Beyond the theatrics, smoking cocktails offer a plethora of benefits that extend beyond the visual appeal, enhancing both the flavor profiles and overall enjoyment of the drink.

Enhanced Flavor Profiles:

The allure of smoking cocktails lies in its ability to introduce a sophisticated and nuanced layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile, transforming the act of imbibing into a truly elevated and memorable experience. By harnessing the transformative power of smoke, mixologists can impart a subtle yet distinctive smokiness that intertwines seamlessly with the existing flavors of the cocktail. This infusion of smoky notes doesn't overpower the drink but rather harmonizes with its components, creating a symphony of tastes that dance across the palate.

The choice of smoking agents plays a pivotal role in defining the character of the cocktail. Various elements such as different wood chips, aromatic herbs, or exotic spices contribute a myriad of distinct aromas and flavors during the smoking process. For instance, the rich, earthy tones of oak might enhance the depth of a whiskey-based cocktail, while a delicate blend of dried lavender and rosemary could complement the botanical nuances of a gin concoction. This versatility allows mixologists to tailor the smoking experience to the specific qualities of each cocktail, resulting in a customized and unique taste that lingers long after the last sip.

Versatility Across Spirit Categories:

Smoking cocktails are not limited to a specific type of spirit; they can be applied to a diverse range of cocktails, from classic whiskey drinks to tropical rum concoctions. This allows the smoker to develop new cocktails, finding which concoctions work best together. Wood chips sourced from barrels that once cradled fine spirits, such as bourbon or Scotch, infuse the cocktail with echoes of their previous contents, adding layers of complexity and history. Similarly, the choice of herbs and spices provides an opportunity to experiment with cultural influences, offering a sensory journey that extends beyond the liquid in the glass.

This versatility allows for the exploration of smoking techniques across different spirit categories, offering endless possibilities for innovative and exciting drinks.

Who Can Smoke a Cocktail?

Anyone can start their smoking journey as soon as possible. One does not need to be a professional bartender to start curating. The first step is to purchase a reliable smoker. A safe and reliable smoker we recommend the "Foghat". The Foghat exists with a metal mesh that keeps fuel from sparking out and ruining your counters. Luckily, the Foghat brand extends into a variety of fuel flavors that guide you to use with drink the brand thinks will fit best with the flavors. This is a perfect smoker for beginners to start their new craft It comes in a convenient kit that has butane, fuel, a torch, and the smoker.

Check it out Here

Start Your Journey Now

In essence, the art of smoking cocktails isn't merely a visual spectacle or a fleeting trend; it's a deliberate and calculated enhancement to the craft of mixology. It's a method that invites enthusiasts to savor the intricacies of flavor, appreciating the marriage of chosen ingredients with the subtle, alluring embrace of smoke. This intentional layering of sensory experiences sets smoking cocktails apart, transforming a simple libation into a dynamic and immersive adventure for the discerning palate. As the trend continues to captivate the world of mixology, the possibilities for creating unforgettable, customized taste experiences through the artful application of smoke remain virtually boundless.

Written by Faith Housley

Given how popular smoked cheese is, it's surprising more people don't try smoking cheese at home. With a dedicated cheese smoking kit, it couldn't be easier.

The Perfect Cheeseboard

Putting together the perfect cheeseboard, you have to cater for all possible tastes. There'll be soft cheeses and hard cheeses, strong cheeses and mild cheeses, and there will always be at least one smoked cheese. Everyone loves smoked cheese. They're often the first to be finished, but imagine how good it would be if instead of saying 'I'm sorry, that's the last,' you could say, 'Finish it up, I'll smoke some more!'

Smoking Cheese at Home

With a dedicated cheese smoking kit, like the Foghat Smoking Cloche Set, you can easily smoke a piece of cheese - or anything else, including charcuterie - in a few minutes. It will also impress your guests and definitely give them something to talk about. Kits like these come with a chopping or serving board, so you could smoke the entire cheeseboard in one go, if you wanted to try it.

Smoking cheese at home is also going to give you better results. You may not realize it, but the smoked cheese you buy at the store isn't smoked at all. It is infused either with liquid smoke or even a smoke flavoring, to get those results. When you smoke cheese at home you're using natural wood to provide the smoky flavor that people love.

How to Smoke Cheese at Home

Cheese smoking kits work by providing you with a blown-glass cover that fits snugly over the board. A hole in the top of the glass cover allows you to insert a holder with a metal mesh tray in it. Into this you put some flavored smoking fuel, like wood chips or wood shavings, and then you smoke the fuel with a regular kitchen torch. If you already have a torch you can buy the components without a torch, or if you're getting a cheese smoking kit as a gift for someone you can buy the whole kit and caboodle, including the butane.

When you heat the fuel, the smoke swirls down into the glass cover allowing the cheese(s) to soak up the smoky aroma. By using different fuels with different cheeses you can produce original smoked cheeses that you wouldn't find in even the best deli or cheese store.

Which Cheeses to Smoke at Home

The advantage of smoking cheese at home is that you can try any cheese: you're not limited to what you can find in the store. Everyone's tastes are different, and by experimenting you can discover what works best for you. Just as some people love really peaty Scottish whiskies, while others hate them, you can decide what degree of smokiness works best for you. You might find one minute of smoking is enough for you, or you might want to smoke the cheese to the last dying ember.

Do keep a record of the different combinations of type of cheese, type of smoking fuel, and length of smoking time. After all, when you achieve perfection, you want to be able to replicate it.

As to which cheeses to smoke at home, start with fairly plain and inexpensive hard cheeses, like cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. Even the plainest (and cheapest) of cheddars can be transformed when it's infused with smoke. Hard cheeses can stand longer smoking times. Depending on the cheese and how you cut it, the smoke may not permeate all the way to the center, giving you a great combination of smokiness and natural flavor. Once you start to master the technique of smoking cheeses at home, you can move on to try more expensive varieties.

Smoking Soft Cheeses at Home

By their very nature, soft cheeses will soak up more smoke than hard cheeses, and for that reason you'll want to start with a shorter smoking time. Doesn't the very thought of a Smoked Brie make your mouth water, though?

Couldn't I Just Smoke Cheese on the BBQ?

Yes, you can, though softer cheeses can make a heck of a mess. It's far better to cold smoke them direct on the cheeseboard or other wooden platter.

What Flavors Can You Use to Smoke Cheese?

To start with, play safe and use the types of flavor that cheesemakers use to smoke their cheeses with: apple, cherry, maple, and nutty flavors. Later you can move on and get more experimental, using flavors such as mesquite, bourbon, or sherry. The best woods are usually those that come from fruit or nut trees.

Two Final Tips on Smoking Cheese at Home

1) If you can, let the cheese rest for up to three days after smoking. Wrap it in cheese paper and keep it in the fridge. That way the smoke has more chance to permeate the cheese. Take it out and let it get to room temperature before serving.

2) If you're preparing a cheeseboard, cut some cheeses in half and only smoke half of each one. That way you can compare the taste of the smoked and unsmoked versions. Also, guests still have a wide choice whether they like or dislike smoked cheeses. 

by Mike Gerrard

Is tequila stronger than vodka is a question people often ask, as tequila is thought of as a stronger spirit while vodka is seen as a drink for beginners.

The answer to the question of whether tequila is stronger than vodka is that it depends. No one spirit is automatically stronger than another spirit in every situation. Most tequilas and vodkas will be the same strength, that is the accepted standard for the majority of spirits of 40% ABV, or 80 proof.

Why Are Most Spirits 80 Proof?

Spirits don't have to be 80 proof, although in the USA this is the minimum alcohol level allowed by law for spirits. You will find some spirits, like flavored vodkas or low-calorie spirits that are less than 80 proof, but they have to be clear about it. 80 proof just happens to be a figure that was a historic convention, but is also one that most spirits simply taste best at. Another factor is that alcohol is taxed according to its strength, so 80 proof spirits pay the least tax and therefore end up cheaper on the shelves and more profitable to make.

So, Is Tequila Stronger than Vodka?

The overwhelming majority of tequilas and vodkas are both bottled at 80 proof. This means that they all have exactly the same amount of alcohol in them. The alcohol is what gives you a headache and a hangover, if you drink too much. All things being equal, tequila can't give you a worse hangover than vodka, which is something people often claim. Drink the same amount of the same strength tequila and vodka - on different nights, of course! - and you will get the exact same degree of hangover, subject to how much water you might drink or how much food you might eat as well.

However, not all things are equal in the world of distilling. Whether you're distilling from potatoes or from agave plants, the part of the spirit you want is known as the heart. This is the good quality tasty stuff. What you don't want is the heads and the tails - the spirit that comes off first, and the spirit that comes off last. This is inferior quality and really will give you the worst headaches and hangover you've ever had. Too much of it and you can go blind or even die.

Getting rid of the heads and the tails costs time and money, but if you want to make the best-tasting spirits then you do it. If, on the other hand, you want to make the cheapest spirits you might care a little less about only going for the heart. Now, if your first experience of drinking tequila was in a bar in Cancun on Spring Break, and in the bar with the cheapest shots at that, do you think you were drinking good-quality tequila? Is it surprising it gave you a monumental hangover?

When Is Tequila Stronger than Vodka?

The only way that tequila is stronger than vodka is if you're comparing, say, a 90 proof tequila with an 80 proof vodka. Then you can definitely say that the tequila is 12% stronger than the vodka.

By and large, there are more examples of strong tequilas than strong vodkas. Vodka has been made at 80 proof for centuries, and though there are stronger vodkas around, it takes a lot of work to make them taste good too. Taking the same vodka and bottling it at more than 80 proof isn't automatically going to make it a better vodka, only a stronger one. Make it too strong and while it might give your cocktails a kick you wouldn't want to sip it neat or on the rocks.

Tequila is a whole other matter, though. Silver or blanco tequila is unaged tequila and is the agave equivalent of vodka, and almost always bottled at 80 proof. With tequilas that are aged in barrels, more complex flavors start to develop, and the more chances there are for distillers to experiment to see what tequilas they can produce. To understand this more, you might want to experiment at home by aging your own blanco tequilas for different lengths of time.

Variations include the type of barrel used, the length of time the spirit spends in the barrel, the blending of tequilas, and the strength you bottle them at. A distiller might sample a particular tequila at different strengths and decide that the 90 proof tastes better than the 80 proof. As vodka by its nature is unaged it isn't experimented upon like this. Once you start to age vodka, you're immediately turning it into another spirit, from Coconut Rum to Mexican Corn Whiskey.

The bottom line, to answer the question, is that tequila is not stronger than vodka automatically, but you're more likely to come across stronger tequilas than stronger vodkas.

There are several ways to make a Smoky Negroni including using a smoked gin, smoked ice cubes, or smoking the Negroni with a dedicated cocktail smoking kit.

The Negroni is one of the best smoked cocktails, and it's good to know how to make a Smoky Negroni. It's easy to do, and producing a smoky take on one of the world's most popular cocktails will surprise your guests. You'd better be prepared to make seconds, though.

What Is a Negroni?

A Negroni is an Italian cocktail that was probably first made in Florence in 1919 at the request of the grandly-named French General Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni. It's a simple cocktail recipe to remember: one part gin, one part sweet red vermouth, and one part Campari. Garnish it with a slice of orange peel and you're done. It's one of those cocktails that, if a guest asks you for one, you don't need to go to the bookshelves or the internet to look up the recipe. You just need to be sure to have the ingredients on hand. But how do you make a Smoky Negroni?

Buying Smoked Gin

One way to make a Smoky Negroni is to use a smoked gin instead of your regular gin. Normally a London Dry Gin with its strong juniper flavors works best in a Negroni. Because a Negroni does only have three ingredients, changing any one of them can make a big difference to the overall result. It may take a few experiments till you perfect making your Smoky Negroni.

In the USA, The New York Craft Spirits Distillery makes ESP Smoked Gin using Applewood- smoked juniper berries, which should add several layers of flavor to your standard Negroni. In the UK you can find a Smoked Rosemary Gin made by That Boutique-y Gin Company, which should also work well.

Smoke Your Own Gin

As there aren't too many smoked gins on the market, it will be easier and cheaper to try smoking your own gin. One advantage here is that you can use the same recipe and gin as you do for a standard Negroni, but you're simply adding smoke to the gin rather than altering the recipe by using a different gin with a different flavor profile.

You can smoke your own gin by using a dedicated cocktail smoking kit. Although these are intended for smoking the finished cocktail, they can also be used for smoking pure spirits. Put several measures of your regular London Dry Gin in a glass and smoke the gin before making the Negroni. Try using the Whiskey Barrel Oak Smoking Fuel. A Negroni already has a lot of flavors swirling around in there, so a simpler smoking fuel will be better.

If you're the kind of person who's a bit of a control freak then you might even want to go the whole hog and make your own gin from scratch. After all, gin is simply flavored vodka, which is the kind of remark you make if you want to annoy a gin distiller. It's true, though. Gin starts off as a neutral spirit, i.e. vodka, and the botanicals including juniper are then infused into it. You can achieve the same results by using an inexpensive Gin Essence which, for a few dollars, allows you to turn vodka into gin. It isn't cheating as many gin distillers simply buy in their cheap neutral spirit (they don't like to call it vodka, but it is) and add their botanicals. You can then smoke the gin, as above.

Use a Cocktail Smoking Kit

Alternatively you can make your Negroni absolutely as normal, and simply smoke the end result with the smoking kit. Again, try starting with a lighter smoking fuel like the Whiskey Barrel Oak Smoking Fuel, before experimenting with anything stronger.

Use Smoked Ice Cubes

Another way to turn a Negroni into a Smoky Negroni is to use smoked ice cubes. This way the smoky flavor slowly builds up as the ice cubes melt, and when it gets to the level you think is perfect you can take the smoky ice cubes out and replace them with regular ones.

How do you smoke ice cubes? For this you'll need the Foghat Smoking Cloche Set, which gives you a bigger surface area to smoke than the cocktail smoker does. Place a tray of ice cubes on the cutting board, and use the smallest ice cubes that you have. Smoke the ice cubes until they melt, and then refreeze them. You'll get better results if you smoke ice cubes rather than smoke an ice cube tray filled with water, as the smoke molecules stick to the ice more easily than they would penetrate the water.

You needn't limit this to Negronis, of course. If you keep a tray of smoked ice cubes in the freezer, you can use them with any whiskey cocktail, or a Margarita, to gradually create a smoky version of the cocktail as you drink it.

Use Smoked Cocktail Glasses

If you want to go for broke with the smoking, you can also use the Foghat Smoking Cloche Set to smoke your cocktail glasses just before you make your Negronis. Combine this with smoked ice cubes and a regular Negroni cocktail, and you also have a Smoky Negroni. Use a smoked gin as well and you'll have an Ultra Smoky Negroni. That may be going a little too far, but at least you now know how to make a Smoky Negroni several different ways.

by Mike Gerrard

Who invented the barrel isn't known for sure but the history of this remarkable object goes back at least to the time of the Ancient Egyptians.

The humble barrel is such a commonplace object that it's easy to take it for granted, but some historians have compared the invention of the barrel to the invention of the wheel. Without barrels to store food and fresh water for hundreds of crew over hundreds of days, long sea voyages by explorers like Captain Cook and Christopher Columbus would simply not have been possible.

Barrels made international trade easier, and have been used for storing liquids, food, oil, gunpowder, nails, coins, and even dead bodies. The British hero Lord Nelson, who was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, was taken back to his home country preserved in a barrel of brandy or rum.

Who invented the barrel?

What's remarkable about the barrel, even more so than the wheel, is that it's been around for about 5,000 years virtually unchanged. The only modern adaptation has been to use metal hoops instead of wooden ones to hold the barrel's staves together. 

The earliest depiction of a barrel is on the walls of the tomb of an Egyptian official who lived in about the 3rd millennium BC. His tomb shows a barrel, which was probably made from palm wood and held together by wooden hoops. It was being used to measure grain of some kind, which is another key use of a barrel: to provide standard measures. Oil is still measured in barrels, as oil was stored and measured in whiskey barrels when oil fields were discovered in Pennsylvania in 1859.

So we know that barrels were around in the 3rd millennium BC, but it's likely they were invented several hundred years before that. There was a thriving wine industry in Egypt's Nile Delta by about 3,000 BC, and other wall paintings show barrels holding grapes, so it's probable that barrels were in common use back then.

Barrels conquer the world

While we may not know for sure who invented the barrel, we do know that the Romans helped to spread the use of barrels around the world. By the time the Romans conquered Egypt in 30BC, barrels were being used in both countries. The Romans had found even more uses for them. They turned them into weapons of war by filling them with burning pitch and firing them at their enemy using giant catapults. It was a bull's-eye if one landed on the building that held the enemy's store of gunpowder... being held in barrels, of course.

Roman armies carried some empty barrels with them when they traveled, so that they could be tied together to create improvised bridges for crossing rivers. They also used them to line wells to keep the water clean.

The Creation of Cooperages

According to the Roman historian and author Pliny the Elder, writing in the 1st century AD, the first European people to use barrels widely, and to build cooperages, was a Celtic group called the Gauls, living in what is now the French Alps. The usage of barrels was now becoming more sophisticated, too. Cooperages were springing up in towns and villages in southern Europe, and these were often one-man businesses with the cooper's skills being passed from father to son.

Different coopers began to specialize in different types of barrel, as demand increased. The easiest kind to make were those for storing grain and other solid items, as they didn't need to be waterproof. They did, however, need to be tight enough to keep mice and bugs out. Grain had previously been stored in hessian sacks, which were no barrier to mice and rats.

Other coopers specialized in making watertight barrels, for keeping wine and water in. This was a pivotal time in the coopering industry. Coopers where divided into "Dry Coopers" making barrels for grains or other products, and "Wet Coopers" who made barrels to hold liquids. The skills of distillation hadn't yet arrived, so no-one knew yet that barrels would add flavors when spirits were stored in them for long periods. Yet another kind of cooper would make what were called simply large barrels, which was an even harder skill to master.

A further virtue of the barrel, people discovered, was that they could be dismantled and rebuilt, as necessary. You could transport goods in them on a long sea voyage, then take apart any that weren't needed for the return journey. Even today, used American white oak bourbon barrels are taken in pieces for shipping to Scotland for use in the whisky industry, with the staves numbered to make re-assembly easier.

So, we may not know for sure who invented the barrel, but the world is glad that they did!

by Mike Gerrard