SBB's Solera Rum Barrel Setup

[howie]

i have asked for advice in a new thread on the spigot, but if you have any ideas, i'm all ears.

Wooden spigot or threaded stainless / brass Tap ?

oh sorry
this thing, a tapered threaded brass tap.

[The Baker]

i have asked for advice in a new thread on the spigot, but if you have any ideas, i'm all ears.

Wooden spigot or threaded stainless / brass Tap ?

For mine, NEVER use a brass tap.
For sure it ruins port.

Geoff

[howie]

today i obtained another small 5L barrel off gumtree.
the seller turned out to be someone i knew from 20 years ago, small world.
anyway, 2 hours later, i have a brand new american oak barrel and some of his very hot chilli sauce, but no spigot.
so from zero to 3 barrels in a week.
i finally sealed the old port barrel with some PFTE tape on the spigot thread.
now i just need a 15-20L (as the first 'holding' barrel) to complete the solero cycle.
i am now wondering how long to keep pre-oaked rum in a 6L barrel before bottling........ sounds like multilpe sampling is the answer.

[Saltbush Bill]

Sounds like you need more taps now

[Bushman]

Slight right turn from the topic but at antique stores I can’t stop buying different size bung hole augers. They work great for drilling or re-drilling holes to fit different tap sizes or bung holes.

[The Baker]

Don't buy brass taps.

Geoff

[Saltbush Bill]

Most taps on most barrels are brass.......ive changed some of mine...but not all........never had a problem with them.

[howie]

local perth mob finally got some small barrels in stock.
i got a 15l oak toasted, this will be at the head of my mini solera system with the other 3 x 6l barrels.
i need to get a wriggle on to fill her up.

[The Baker]

Most taps on most barrels are brass.......ive changed some of mine...but not all........never had a problem with them.

They give a horrible metallic taste to port and sherry, etc.
So I would not use them for spirits either.
Okay I already said that, but it is worth repeating...

Geoff

[Saltbush Bill]

If your not happy buy stainless taps.
It's very simple to drill a hole the right size in to the barrels head , tap that hole using a metal thread tap of the right thread size.....then screw the tap of your choice in..
I've put taps in most of my own barrels that way.....the purchase of the right size drill bit to suit the thread tap is a one off cost.

[Saltbush Bill]

i got a 15l oak toasted, this will be at the head of my mini solera system with the other 3 x 6l barrels.

How has this turned out Howie?
Anyone else got any feedback?

[howie]

i got a 15l oak toasted, this will be at the head of my mini solera system with the other 3 x 6l barrels.

How has this turned out Howie?
Anyone else got any feedback?

i've just had a Anzac nip, i personally think it's up there with diplomatico reserva exclusive.
a couple of weeks ago i gave a fellow rum drinker a small bottle to sample and he loved it.
i bottled the latest at navy strength (55%).
best way to sip it.....only 1 (2 at most) ice cubes and use those whiskey stones if you want to keep it cool.
the last barrel was started about 4.5 years ago.
the first barrel was started about 3 years ago, but that is usually topped up with pre-oaked rum.
definitely worth the wait