How Many Bourbon Bottles in a Barrel, and How is a rickhouse built?

by Greg Walters

I've had the honor of tasting and executing the purchase of three bourbon barrels for the "greatest bourbon bar in the world".(Wisconsin)

Regardless of what the 'science' tells us, every barrel provided different quantities of 750 bottles. Sometimes 125, other times a bit more.

There are multiple reasons, but most of the evaporation of numbers is due to just that - evaporation. Yes, the angels do get their share, what's left for us, typically makes them envious.

And this is how the brand, "Angel's Envy" got its name.  The angels take what they believe to be the best part but the 'residue' left is bottled and delivers a bourbon journey beyond compare, eliciting angelic envy.  Now you know.

I've heard of a distillery in the northwest, Oregon I think, that ages their bourbon 'out in the parking lot'. Huh. Imagine parking next to a stack of bourbon each morning. Which begs the question, "how in the heck do 'they' build rickhouses in the first place?" 

As with most things in the world of bourbon, what once was a simple thing, like a barn, has been remarketed and scientifically studied; temperature and humidity variance from floor to floor, the impact of sound waves and earthquake vibrations on the aging process.  Still, a rickhouse is a rickhouse and people, not robots, build them. 

Merry Christmas.  Drink bourbon, or whatever you've got in the pantry.  I like bourbon neat or with a bit of ginger beer or in a really good Miami Old Fashioned or in the Wisconsin variation; bourbon rye, sweet, with a press...whatever you like, we've got you covered with some decent holiday concoctions.

Cheers!

​g

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"Today, the average size of a rickhouse is 50,000 barrels, presenting engineering challenges compared to older 20,000 barrel ones in terms of weight load, airflow, and temperature control." - BOURBON PURSUIT

​Engineering a Rickhouse with Buzick Construction

Key Points:

• Buzick Construction, a family with a deep whiskey business history, discusses the engineering challenges of building rickhouses for Jack Daniel's.
• The average size of a modern rickhouse is 50,000 barrels, presenting challenges in weight load, airflow, and temperature control.
• The interview with Buzick's President and chief engineer explores wood types, exterior materials, airflow design, humidity considerations, and the costs involved.

What You Will Know:

• The complexities of engineering modern rickhouses, including challenges related to weight load, airflow, and temperature control.
• Insights into the history of Buzick Construction and its significant role in constructing rickhouses for Jack Daniel's.
• Factors influencing rickhouse construction, such as wood types, exterior materials, and the considerable costs involved.

​Core Message and Implications: 🥃

The article unveils the intricate world of rickhouse engineering, emphasizing the evolution from older to modern structures. Readers gain insights into the pivotal role of Buzick Construction, highlighting the multifaceted considerations in building rickhouses. Understanding these engineering nuances is crucial for appreciating the craftsmanship behind whiskey production.

Here.

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​"A 50% levy on American whiskey products such as Jack Daniels would have been a 'devastating' blow to sales in European countries, the industry has said." - WDRB

​Bourbon Industry Gets Reprieve from European Whiskey Tariff

Key Points:

• The European Union delays a planned 50% tariff on American whiskey until March 1, 2025, providing relief to the bourbon industry.
• The tariff, initially set for Jan 1, 2024, would have been detrimental to sales, especially for brands like Jack Daniels.
• The delay supports the U.S. whiskey industry, particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee, helping maintain jobs and fostering international market growth.

What You Will Know:

• The significant impact of the European Union's decision to delay the tariff on American whiskey.
• The potential consequences for the U.S. whiskey industry, particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee.
• The importance of international markets and tariffs in shaping the economic landscape of the bourbon industry.

Core Message and Implications: 🌍 The article sheds light on the interconnected global dynamics affecting the bourbon industry. The temporary suspension provides a crucial window for the industry to navigate challenges and emphasizes the reliance on international markets. This decision not only preserves jobs but also underscores the need for a permanent solution to tariff uncertainties.
​
Here.

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​"To answer the whiskey question –- there are quite a few bottles in a barrel. But as it is with most good things, it's a bit more complicated." - Tom Maxwell

​How Many Bottles Of Whiskey Are In One Barrel?

Key Points:

• The article explores the complex process of determining the number of bottles of whiskey in a barrel.
• Factors such as the whiskey-making process, barrel type, porosity, and the "angel's share" (evaporation) influence the final volume.
• On average, a barrel produces between 200 and 300 bottles, with evaporation accounting for a significant volume loss during aging.

​What You Will Know:

• The intricate factors influencing the volume of whiskey in a barrel, from the whiskey-making process to barrel characteristics.
• The concept of the "angel's share" and its impact on the final volume of whiskey.
• An average estimate of the number of bottles produced from a barrel and the role of evaporation in this process.

Core Message and Implications: 🥃 The article demystifies the process of whiskey aging in barrels, highlighting the various factors that contribute to the final product. Understanding the delicate balance of evaporation and absorption in each barrel provides readers with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and uniqueness of every whiskey batch.

Read it, here.

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"Perhaps the big question for most is whether the whiskey is noticeably influenced by its journey to and rest in England. For me, at least, the answer is no." - Steve Coomes

An American in London? Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Review

Key Points:

• The article reviews the Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon, aged for six years in England.
• The whiskey, produced by Wilderness Trail Distillery, receives mixed reviews, with emphasis on its taste and origin story.
• The review criticizes the brand's lengthy and dramatic press release, questioning the influence of the trans-Atlantic journey on the whiskey's flavor.

What You Will Know:

• A detailed review of Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon, including its mash bill, age, and flavor profile.
• Critique of the brand's press release, questioning the credibility of its origin story and the impact of the trans-Atlantic journey on the whiskey's taste.
• The overall assessment of the bourbon's quality, price, and whether it's recommended for purchase.

Core Message and Implications: 🥃💬 The article navigates the tasting notes and backstory of Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon, offering readers an honest evaluation. It challenges the authenticity of the brand's narrative and questions the impact of the whiskey's unique aging journey. The review aids consumers in making informed decisions based on taste and transparency.

Read more.

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"We’ve completed several warehouses on our Henry County property to date, and we are looking forward to building, strengthening long-term relationships, and driving local impact in both Henry County and downtown Louisville, a release from Angel's Envy stated.

🌆 Expanding Wings: Angel's Envy Unveils Ambitious Louisville Project
Angel's Envy is set to transform Louisville's cityscape with a new three-story, 98,000 square feet expansion at 418 E. Main St., featuring a versatile space encompassing a first-floor warehouse, second-floor offices and tasting areas, and a third-floor rooftop bar, event spaces, classrooms, kitchen, and VIP area, promising to enhance both the downtown and Henry County landscapes, replacing a parking lot in the process. 🥃🏗️

Announcement.