Making Bourbon Barrel Syrup

Everything you need to know.

https://youtu.be/96niRz8PBLg

how long to leave the maple syrup in a barrel of 45 g bourbons

At least 6 months

Longer is better if possible to allow for a stronger flavor transfer. When bottling afterward, it is then possible to dilute back to the desired intensity of flavor.

That's exactly what I do. In fact, I now have a 15 gal barrel that has aged 12 months. I plan to open it as soon as the outdoor temperature cools to the low 70's or colder. At that time I'll cut it with dark syrup until the bourbon flavor is what my customers have shown they like and then I'll bottle it. Usually I only age a 15 for 7-8 months but with Covid I had my partner stay away and I have done everything solo, thus this batch sat longer. This is the first time a batch sat that long, I have only had to add 1 gal of dark to reduce the strength of a 10 gal batch once before.

Has anyone ever say gotten a 5 gallon bourbon barrel and only filled like 3 gallons in it. Will this be ok or will there be problems with not a full barrel.

Bryan

While I've never partially filled a barrel, I doubt it would be a game changer. It will however bring your cost per gallon of making bourbon barrel aged maple syrup.