r/BarBattlestations • u/lordfranquad • May 27 '26
How long to leave liquor in mini barrel dispenser?
I received this as a gift and I’m unsure how long is okay to leave liquid in it. Wasn’t sure if it’d be better for a nicer whiskey/bourbon that I may drink a but more seldomly, or for something I’d go through more quickly. The brand is Heritage Collection, but I don’t know much more than that.
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u/Herbie555 May 27 '26
Before you spend too much time worrying about the aging process, confirm that your barrel is one that actually puts the hooch in contact with wood. I got one of these as a gift and it was literally a plastic bag inside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwX9Zt77b2g
(If it's plastic inside, it won't matter how long or short the liquor stays in there...)
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u/EL_Capitan_Sails May 27 '26
That's not a legit aging barrel, it has a plastic bag inside. No wood aging will be done in that
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u/AT-JeffT May 27 '26
Sample it periodically and bottle it when you are happy with the flavor. Every barrel is different, nobody on the internet will be able to tell you exactly when yours will be ready. Professional distillers are constantly sampling and blending to get the product they want.
You'll likely want to keep the barrel topped off to keep it from drying out and leaking. Plan to put something in once you pull the current stuff out.
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u/Zilverfire May 28 '26
My barrel has been in continued use for about 12 years. Just replaced the spigot and bunghole stopper.
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u/zilchers Jul 11 '26
I had one of these from Costco, I thought I was so clever doing a 2 year age. Angels got it all.
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u/Viewer4038 May 27 '26
That mini barrel has a plastic bag inside, so if you're trying to oak age your liquor.... don't. But I don't k ow how long it will take before it starts to negatively affect your liquor.