The secondary market for old oak barrels is booming. In some places, drinks are even filled into the barrels so that they can be sold at a higher value in the next step. The main target groups include breweries that want to add character and complexity to their beers. The barrels contribute flavor, both from the wood and from what was previously in the barrel, such as bourbon, rum, sherry or mead. At the same time, the beer receives micro-oxidation, which can round out and combine flavors. Depending on the storage period, a concentration can also be achieved by slowly evaporating the liquid.
The beers on tap are usually big, full-bodied and high in alcohol – a stout, porter or barley wine. Sometimes the beer gets its final character from the barrels and sometimes they are part of a larger program where the beer can go through different barrel aging or be flavored with, for example, vanilla, sugar, coffee, coconut or nuts. Then the style is often referred to as pastry stout.
The end result is not only intense in taste, in its best versions it is also incredibly smooth and round. The method is of course expensive – but demand is high, not least among the most committed beer audience. But it’s not just beer for them, the beer can be compared to dark dessert and fortified wines and also opens doors for new beer drinkers.
Tip! Three types of full-bodied, barrel-aged beer
Oloroso Kaggen Stormaktsporter from Närke Kulturbryggeri
Örebro • 169 SEK • 25 cl • 11.8% • LS 3355403
The beer “Kaggen” became world famous in the 2000s. This version received its final character in a cask that previously contained both Oloroso sherry and smoky whiskey. A high price – and a great experience.
Erebus by O/O Brewing
Gothenburg • 70 SEK • 33 cl • 14.5% • LS 1002203
Sweet and crisp, with lots of dried fruits and a clear bourbon presence is the result when O/O aged a sweet, high alcohol barley wine in bourbon barrels. Published on January 30th.
Silent Night by 3 Sons Brewing
USA • 59.90 SEK • 35.5 cl • 10% • TS 1326415
Inspired by hot chocolate, the Florida brewery released an imperial stout with cocoa and marshmallows, aged in new, lightly toasted oak barrels, just in time for Christmas.
Read more: Learn more about beer at DN’s Beer School
