Download a PDF of these FAQs.

Q. Where can I purchase barrels?   

In some areas, you can find WASMUND'S BARREL KIT™ which includes a 2-liter barrel packed with two bottles of spirit in one box! If you are not lucky enough to have such a retailer, or you want a larger barrel, you can order barrels directly from us. Click here for sizes and prices available.

Q. Do the barrels come full?

No. The barrels come to you empty. Also, unless you are buying a kit, the bottles of Wasmund's Spirit are sold separately.

Q. Are the barrels charred?

Yes. The barrels are lightly charred and hand made from American white oak without glue, nails or paraffin wax.

Q. Where can I purchase Wasmund's Single Malt Spirit and Wasmund's Rye Spirit?

If you bought your kit at a retail store, you should be able to purchase bottles there as well.  Your retailer can get spirit from their distributor even if the bottles are not on the shelf. Check the "Where to Buy" page for a partial list of retailers and online stores.

In Virginia you can also special order both spirits through your favorite VABC store. You will need the VA product codes with you:
Wasmund's Single Malt Spirit: # 952348
Wasmund's Rye Spirit: # 952347

How do I get started with my new barrel?

• Before using your barrel, make sure the spigot is inserted tightly.  You may need to tap lightly with a rubber mallet
• Fill the barrel with hot water through the bung hole.
• Gently, but firmly insert the bung.
• If the barrel leaks, don't worry. Leave the barrel filled with water and spray the outside of the barrel with water every few hours until the slats expand and the barrel completely seals
• If there are no leaks, your barrel is ready to fill with your choice of Wasmund's Spirit.
• Make note of the date your barrel was filled!
• Save your bottles for your aged spirit! There is space on the spirits labels for your tasting notes

Q. How long do I age the spirit?

We recommend aging 4 to 7 months for the "first fill." Smaller barrels will age more quickly than the larger ones. Part of the experience of owning a Distiller's Art Series Mini Barrel is tasting the spirit as it progresses. Savor the journey and age your spirit to your personal taste preference.

Q. Will I lose any volume in the barrel?

Yes, the angels must have their share. Also, a new barrel will soak up some volume as the wood becomes saturated.  You can lose up to 10% on the first fill, much less on subsequent fills.

Q. Is there a best place to store my barrel once filled with Wasmund's Spirit?

For fastest aging you want warmth and/or variation in temperature.  Think expansion and contraction of the wood.  Also, motion can help; so you can turn your barrel a quarter turn every week or so. We know a barrel head that drives around with the barrel in the back seat of his car.  Some say put it in a window that gets a lot of sun. Other writing on the subject suggests that imported whisky was favored just because it had the advantage of a transatlantic voyage in barrels -think of the rocking and sloshing!

Q. Can I put already aged whisky in the barrel?

Absolutely.  As long as it is Wasmund's Single Malt Whisky!

Q.  Can I add other ingredients?

Yes.  As you may know we are rather fond of toasted apple wood chips.
If you haven't tried our Wasmund's Single Malt Whisky, please do so immediately! If you want to try something different but do not want to commit a whole barrel, try a small jar or portion of your bottle.  If you are reading this you are likely a creative being.  Go create.

Q. Why are the Distiller's Art Series Spirits 124 proof?

Cask strength (124 proof) spirit is traditionally the best strength to optimize the reaction of spirit and wood. In order to truly replicate the aging process at home we are supplying spirits at industry standards.

Q. 124 proof is too strong for me how do I reduce the proof?

While a lot of serious whisky connoisseurs love a wee dram at cask strength, for many people cask strength is too strong. Just add water to reduce the proof. For 90 to 92 proof: Fill up to the top of the label (550ml) with spirit and fill to the middle of the neck (200ml) with good water.

Q. Will the proof change as it ages?

Maybe—but not too much in a year.  Proof can increase or decrease depending on climate conditions. If you start with 124 proof you will likely be within 1% of that no matter what you do. That is based on our experience with large barrels. We will keep you posted as our testing continues. 

Q. What is the best way to empty my barrel?

Find your empty spirit bottles! Remove the bung and empty the barrel through the spigot. The barrel will release some carbon particles so we recommend that you use a funnel with a coffee filter when you are ready to bottle your whisky.

Q. Can the barrel be re-used?

Yes. (We can't say for sure but you might be handing your barrel down to your grandchildren!) The second fill gives a different result than the first and can remain in the barrel longer.  Initially the barrels age more like bourbon.  Subsequent fills shift to a more "scotch like" finish. We will be experimenting and learning the limits along with you.

Q. Can I have more than one barrel?

We think every one should strive to have about 12 barrels—

Q. What about storing my barrel empty?

Don't do it! Get more Wasmund's Spirit now! It might take some time, but an empty barrel will begin to dry out, develop leaks, and eventually the iron bands drop off.  Unless you are desperate for kindling, this is quite sad.  Depending on the temperature and average humidity an empty should be fine for two or three weeks.  Also, after tasting your results, you will want to get started with the next batch ASAP!!!