FAQs On
Aging Barrels
© Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.
1. What is Angel’s Share?
➢ Angel's Share is the fraction of spirits that evaporate while aging in the used
bourbon barrels.
➢ Aging is a slow process hence evaporation is a natural phenomenon. A
barrel must be cured to retain the moisture and reduce the share of angels.
➢ Try storing your barrel in cool damp conditions as this will reduce the
chance of evaporation. If you live in a warm environment, then keep the
outside of the barrel wet to retain its moisture.
2. What is the Devil’s Cut?
● The portion of spirits that get absorbed into the wood of the barrel is
referred to as The Devil’s Cut.
● Wood is a porous material hence, absorption will only be natural. If you
cure the barrel, then you are basically ensuring that the wood is already
filled with moisture, hence less spirit is lost in the wood.
● However, the Devil's Cut can play a positive role when aging the next batch
of spirit as the contents stored in the wood get imparted on the next
branch.
© Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.
3. How do I cure the barrel?
● Rinse the used bourbon barrels three or four times to remove the wood
debris.
● Insert the spigot at the front and tighten it.
● Fill the barrel with hot water. Keep it full until any leakage occurs.
● All woods will react differently. Some barrels may give up in a week and
some may even check your patience for weeks.
● Empty the water using the bung hole once the barrel is holding water for 3
to 5 hours.
● Let the barrel sit with the bung hole down for at least 3 hours to get a dry
surface.
● Now you are good to go. Place it on the stand and fill the barrel with your
favorite spirit.
4. How long will my barrel last?
If proper care is taken, then a barrel can even last for 8 to 20 years. The barrel
must never dry out.
5. Why is my barrel leaking?
A leaking barrel is a normal phenomenon. The curing process sometimes takes
weeks and it is essential to identify the leaks.
When there is a leak in your barrel, you can apply some barrel wax to seal the
hole. When the wood of the barrel will start absorbing water during the curing
process, it will expand and the gaps will be naturally sealed.
© Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.
Come to our Wheat Ridge store. Rocky Mountain Barrel Company loves to meet
customers and gladly let you in on the wide selection of our used bourbon
barrels collection.
© Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.

FAQs On Aging Barrels

  • 1.
    FAQs On Aging Barrels ©Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.
  • 2.
    1. What isAngel’s Share? ➢ Angel's Share is the fraction of spirits that evaporate while aging in the used bourbon barrels. ➢ Aging is a slow process hence evaporation is a natural phenomenon. A barrel must be cured to retain the moisture and reduce the share of angels. ➢ Try storing your barrel in cool damp conditions as this will reduce the chance of evaporation. If you live in a warm environment, then keep the outside of the barrel wet to retain its moisture. 2. What is the Devil’s Cut? ● The portion of spirits that get absorbed into the wood of the barrel is referred to as The Devil’s Cut. ● Wood is a porous material hence, absorption will only be natural. If you cure the barrel, then you are basically ensuring that the wood is already filled with moisture, hence less spirit is lost in the wood. ● However, the Devil's Cut can play a positive role when aging the next batch of spirit as the contents stored in the wood get imparted on the next branch. © Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.
  • 3.
    3. How doI cure the barrel? ● Rinse the used bourbon barrels three or four times to remove the wood debris. ● Insert the spigot at the front and tighten it. ● Fill the barrel with hot water. Keep it full until any leakage occurs. ● All woods will react differently. Some barrels may give up in a week and some may even check your patience for weeks. ● Empty the water using the bung hole once the barrel is holding water for 3 to 5 hours. ● Let the barrel sit with the bung hole down for at least 3 hours to get a dry surface. ● Now you are good to go. Place it on the stand and fill the barrel with your favorite spirit. 4. How long will my barrel last? If proper care is taken, then a barrel can even last for 8 to 20 years. The barrel must never dry out. 5. Why is my barrel leaking? A leaking barrel is a normal phenomenon. The curing process sometimes takes weeks and it is essential to identify the leaks. When there is a leak in your barrel, you can apply some barrel wax to seal the hole. When the wood of the barrel will start absorbing water during the curing process, it will expand and the gaps will be naturally sealed. © Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.
  • 4.
    Come to ourWheat Ridge store. Rocky Mountain Barrel Company loves to meet customers and gladly let you in on the wide selection of our used bourbon barrels collection. © Rocky Mountain Barrel Company. All rights Reserved.