So I recently bought a 1 liter oak barrel to try some DIY barrel-aging at home. I’ve been aging an “infinity Old Fashioned,” filled and refilled with whatever whiskey I’m running low on, some bitters and syrup.

Guys, this is incredibly dangerous and delicious, holy crap. Just pour and drink over ice, and add a citrus twist. I’m definitely no expert on barrel aging, but based on my experience and research thus far, I’ll address some common questions I’ve gotten.

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Where did you get the barrel?

Oak Barrels Ltd. This was a big question for me too, and based on my research this seemed to be the popular choice. It’s held up well so far, seems good quality, and I got 2 for $77 shipped.

Shouldn’t you not put sugar/syrup in the barrels?

I’ve had a couple discussions with people on this and as of now, have concluded that it should be ok as long as you’re combining it with higher proof spirits (ideally 45%+), use it in a properly dissolved form (mix it with your cocktail before filling the barrel), and keep the barrel filled to prevent sugar residues that may accumulate on an empty dry side inside the barrel. I rotate my barrels every few days.

How about bitters? I heard they can make it super bitter.

So far I haven’t been shy on the bitters and the cocktail has been tasty. I might go lighter on the bitters in future batches, since the flavor can intensify over time. However, I’m really looking for something I can just pour and drink, so including the bitters definitely saves a bit as opposed to having to mix and serve.

One more tip: Make sure you follow the instructions the barrel comes with in terms of prepping it before use (soak with water, and avoid moisture around the black rings, etc).