Barrels

Question 0

Shape of the barrels?

Answer 0

• double arch shape, extremly strong, liquid tight construction,
  no glu or gaskets used
• larger vessles shaped like a fustum

Question 1

history of barrels?

Answer 1

invented in the roman era, todays barrels are identical

Question 2

What are the different sizes of barrels?

Answer 2

severl - upto 500L

std Bordeaux barrel is 225 L and Burgundy barrel is 228 L

Question 3

Why are barrels made out of oak?

Answer 3

unusually large rays(water conduits) these limit diffusion of air and liquid, desirable flavours

Question 4

Whay are redwoods not used?

Answer 4

too many harsh tannins

Question 5

What are the different species of oak?

Answer 5

Quercus alba - stronger flavours
quercus robur - cognac
quercus petraea/sessiliflora - preferred due to fine grain

Question 6

how did the steam engine boats affect the wine industry?

Answer 6

steam engine and steel hulled ships allowed WI to experiment with french oak forests as the boat industry did not need it

Question 7

What is raising the barrel and blending?

Answer 7

carried out with a windlass or a bending machine
- the wood is dapened outside and heated insideface

• euro technique - over wood fired brazier
• american tech - steam bending followed by charring with a gas burner

Question 8

how do you construct the head pieces of the barrel?

Answer 8

The heads are made up of 7-9 boards assembled with dowels. Strips of reed make them liquid tight.

Question 9

how are different types of barrels made?

Answer 9

french oak wine barrel
- air dried 
-split staves 
- toasted inside
American oak whiskey barrel
-Kiln-dried wood
-Sawn staves
-Charred inside
Old american wine barrel
-Kiln dried wood
-sawn staves
-raw inside
Modern American wine barrel
- Air dried wood
-sawn staves 
-toasted inside

Question 10

Ways to stack barrels?

Answer 10

• one layer on the floor
• pyramid scheme
• fixed racks
• barrel racks