Barrel source?

[NeckStiller]

Hey all

I did some digging and narrowed down a few sources for small barrels, but I'm curious if anyone has a known source they like?

[djc]

Gibbs barrels has always been my choice.

[Saltbush Bill]

That depends on where on the planet you are ? I have a favourite here in Au.

[NeckStiller]

Excellent point Saltbush! Haha.. I'm in the US. I should have clarified, my apologies....

[nerdybrewer]

Best idea I know of is to find a local distillery business that uses small barrels.
Beyond that you are on the internet looking and paying shipping.
If you want new then look at Gibbs.

[pope]

I have an 8 gal black swan and a 3 gal Gibbs and so far prefer the Gibbs

[Maka_me]

That depends on where on the planet you are ? I have a favourite here in Au.

Who do you recommend in Aus?

[seamusm53]

Balcones Distillery in Austin Tx may still have some 5 gal barrels at a good price.

[Yummyrum]

That depends on where on the planet you are ? I have a favourite here in Au.

Who do you recommend in Aus?

Roll out the barrel gets a lot of votes up our neck of the woods
http://www.rolloutthebarrel.com.au/

[Saltbush Bill]

Who do you recommend in Aus?

I can recommend ROTB ...Roll Out The Barrel.
Ive owned two of theirs for quite a while now a 25L and a 50L
Lots of Aussies in the northern half of the country use them. They are a small cooperage with many years of experience......they are not cheap but are a quality item.
They supply a number of sizes and also provide a re toast / char service if required.
Ive never heard a distiller who has dealt with them complain about any aspect of there barrels.
There are many other options in different parts of the country but I cant vouch for them, though I'm sure some are probably just as good.

[NeckStiller]

Best idea I know of is to find a local distillery business that uses small barrels.
Beyond that you are on the internet looking and paying shipping.
If you want new then look at Gibbs.

That's a great idea! Thanks

[8Ball]

Gibbs barrels has always been my choice.

+1. You can trust a Gibbs barrel or cask. Fine people to speak with too when ordering.

[MtRainier]

I get Gibbs too. They're very nice and answer emailed questions. I figured they'd blow me off when I was just ordering one 3g barrel at a time, but they were very responsive.

[6 Row Joe]

I have bought 5 litre barrels from Red Head and Sophia's Findings and have had good results with both.

[DetroitDIY]

I'm hearing Gibbs has good customer service. I've also heard their thicker wall staves than most. And they're on the expensive end of the spectrum. What is it that makes everyone like them so much? The customer service? The effect on your spirits? The longevity of the barrel? I've got a few barrels, none of them Gibbs, and am happy with them. Is there something I'm missing with a Gibbs?

I have two used barrels from Few distillery, two Balcones purchased new, and one little 5 l from the local homebrew shop.

[NeckStiller]

Thanks to all for the input!

Time to start turning and burning to fill it..

[pope]

I have by no means a qualitative report but here’s my experience: bought an 8 gal black swan, a 3 gal Gibbs, both #3, filled them and forgot about them for too long (like 3 years). Come to taste them and I like the Gibbs significantly more. Keeping in mind these are both whiskeys but different batches (so probably diff cuts but both to my tastes), different sizes, and way ‘too long’ in the barrel by cooperage recommendations. A friend who is a bourbon lover disagreed that one was better and said they’re ‘just different’ but I think he was being nice.

[MtRainier]

pope, what did the 3 gallon barrel taste like after 3 years? Oak tea or ok?

I keep hearing that Gibbs makes their barrels out of southern white oak which is a bit tighter than the northern stuff from Barrel Mill, for instance. Supposedly it doesn't get as oakey in as short a time as the northern white oak. I can't say for sure, but that's what "they" say.