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Hello.

Just curious as to how many generations you all think a barrel will last before it should be set aside for decoration/ect.?

To be more specific, mine is a 5 gallon charred American White Oak barrel, and has only been used to age rum. I am contemplating filling it up again, becuase the last batch still came out pretty nice. I have already had two batches aged in it, and as I said might consider another one. Both batches were aged for a period of 6 months each, and barreled at approx 70% strength.

Any suggestions, experiences, theories?

Thanks!

as long as you want.if the oak flavor becomes depleted add some sticks.
best if you attached them to the bung so you can retrieve them.

I´ve been using oak barrels for some time, now i changed to glass due to the spirit loss on barrels, but, i noticed something that i believe is exponential, i tought it can be something like that : each time you fill a barrel and let the spirit age for a long time, not less than 6 months, the barrel leaves 50% of its "full capacity", next time you use this barrel, it has left only 50% of its "power" and will contune leaving half of its actual full capacity, so the "notes" added will be half of the first or 25% of a new barrel capacity, on the 3th run the barrel will have only 25% of its full new capacity and will leave half of it, or maybe 12,5% and so on...
I used to give old barrels to friends as a gift filled with cheap cachaça and replace them with new ones every year.

my regards

Moorea, from Ilhabela - Brasil