Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Hokkaido Barrel aging barrel. This manual explains how to prepare, age, and care for your barrel so that it serves you well for years to come. As this product is made from natural Hokkaido wood, each piece has its own character. We hope you enjoy the time spent with the wood, crafting a glass that is truly your own.
The list of included items, points to check on delivery, the deadline for reporting any shortage or damage, and the conditions for returns and exchanges are provided on the leaflet included with the product. Please refer to it.
1. About the Product
This product is an aging barrel with a capacity of 2.5 L, made from natural Hokkaido wood.
* As this is a natural Hokkaido wood product, the grain, color, and scent vary from piece to piece. Please enjoy differences in knots, grain, and color as the character of the material.
2. Where to Place the Barrel
Place the barrel in a cool location out of direct sunlight. Avoid the following environments, as they can dry out or shrink the wood and cause leakage.
3. Setup
The included stand takes shape when you cross the two parts and fit the notches at the center together. Place the barrel securely on the center of the assembled stand so that it does not wobble.
4. Preparation Before Use (Water Soaking)
This product is leak-checked before shipping. However, the wood may contract during transport or in your environment, causing slight leakage. Before first use, fill the barrel with water to let the wood swell.
* As this is natural wood, slight seeping may continue for a while. This is normal for wooden barrels.
* If leakage does not stop after soaking, it can be fixed with maintenance (beeswax). See the Maintenance section below.
5. Filling and Pouring (Bung and Tap)
This product has two openings: a wooden bung on the top of the barrel, and a metal tap (spigot) on the front. Each has a different role.
◎To put liquor into the barrel — the top bung
◎To pour into a glass — the front tap
6. Aging
Compared with large barrels, small barrels have a greater proportion of wood surface in contact with the liquid, so aging progresses more quickly.
◎Aging guideline: about 30 to 60 days
This is only a guideline. Taste the liquor from time to time to judge whether it has reached the aroma and color you prefer.
7. Evaporation (the Angel’s Share)
During aging, the liquor in the barrel slowly and naturally evaporates through the wood. This has long been known as the “Angel’s Share.” As the volume decreases, top it up with more of the same liquor to enjoy. If you wish to finish aging without topping up, transfer the liquor to another bottle, then add fresh liquor to the barrel to enjoy the next round of aging.
8. Precautions for Use
To keep the barrel in good condition, please note the following.
9. Maintenance
For day-to-day care and for dealing with leaks, please follow the points below.
[Caution] Cloths or paper towels with beeswax on them may ignite spontaneously if left as they are. Soak them thoroughly with water and place them in a plastic bag before disposal.
10. Storage
Disclaimer
Contact
HOKKAIDO BARREL Co., Ltd.
1-78, Nagayama-kita 3-jo 6-chome, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8453, Japan
