We are thrilled to give you an insiders look into the exciting moments and rewarding experiences that come with sourcing barrels. Each trip is truly unique and provides valuable insight into not only the world of barrels and spirits but also different cultures, perspectives, and so much more.
Our philosophy is centered around the appreciation of and education on the essence of what is aged in each type of barrel as well as celebrating the cultures and traditions that surround its existence. There are no rules for what we do; we make them as we go and genuinely enjoy the ride along the way.
We are humbled daily by your support and are committed to finding the finest barrels the world has to offer.
Jalisco, Mexico
New sources, regions, insights, and travels in the land of blue agave
Barrel Homes
Stumbled across this cool Hotel in Jalisco - just looking, unfortunately didn't stay the night!
Blue Agave Fields
Cruising around the back roads of Tequila, Mexico
REPOSADO BARREL INSPECTION
Successful inspection of same amazing 53 gallon Reposado Tequila barrels
"AÑEJO" BARREL SNIFFING
Inspecting some “añejo” tequila barrels. We did not end up purchasing these barrels because, while there, we found out through the grapevine that they were filled with water to seem wet. Always gotta keep your guard up and be cautious.
Heirloom Jaguar & Mt. Lion
Stopped at a locals house to get some free homemade agave syrup and jelly - note the barrel in the corner
HOUSEHOLD BEER STOP ON HIKE
After inspections, we went for a hike and stopped at someone’s house in the forest for some homegrown bananas and a few cold beers.
AÑEJO TEQUILA BARREL LOADING
Loading of 53 gallon Añejo Tequila barrels Late Spring 2018
GRATEFUL FOR THIS JALISCO VIEW
NICARAGUA
Fine rum, beautiful beaches, fisherman, and of course, barrels!
SIPPING FINE RUM
It is always important to sample the quality of the rum coming out of our barrels. Many of these rums range from 7-20+ years. Matt and his dad sampling and celebrating a new rum source.
Rum Barrel Inspections
Going through each rum barrel takes time. Once we receive the barrels, we tighten, steam and pressure test each one to ensure fillability. Any barrels that do not pass the test are separated and sold as decorative barrels.
DIRT ROADS TO BEACH
Post inspection, we headed towards the beach for a few days. After nearly getting stuck in mud and ripping of the left front wheel well liner, we arrived at our hostel at night in the dark and were let in.
FISHERMAN
The beach we stayed at has been, and still is an active fishing community, with surfing only introduced within the last decade. Here are the boats parked after a morning catch.
IDEAL SURFING CONDITIONS
When traveling for barrels, we love enjoying the beauty and nature each country has to offer. Pictured is Matt paddling out for some world class Nicaraguan waves. Work hard, play hard.
BEACH BAR AT THE HOSTEL
We had the privilege of crashing on some old rickety bunk beds in a shared room at a beachside surf hostel with some French and American travelers. Enjoying a beer at the hostel’s beach bar.
FRESH FISH DAILY
This village had some incredible seafood. Every day fisherman brought in fresh fish. Here they are timing it out and charging through the waves to go fishing.
BARRELS LOADED AND SHIPPED
After a successful inspection and a brief mini vacation, a few weeks later the load arrives to PA for further inspection and distribution. It is always the best part when the barrels arrive to our warehouse. Mission accomplished!
Southern Mexico
Success finding the elusive mezcal barrel, Zapotec culture, biodiversity, and celebrating dia de los muertos
Traditional Dirt Roasting Pit
In order to roast the piñas for mezcal, a pit is dug, a wood is chosen, and the piñas are added. Once the coals are hot and stable, the pit is covered with dirt and rocks. Typcial roast time is 3-4 days, providing mezcal’s signature smokey flavor, amongst other variables.
AGAVE PIÑAS POST ROASTING
Agave plants are harvested wild in the field. Once leaves are removed, the Piñas are cut, transported and roasted in a tradtional pit.
Stone Wheel Crushing
There are many ways to crush the roasted piñas. This Palenque attaches a donkey to a stone wheel and it goes round and round for hours until it’s crushed and ready for the mash. The mash is fermented naturally by whatever wild yeast decides to float by.
CLAY POT PECHUGA DISTILLATION
Many people distill Mezcal in clay pots. This particular mezcal is called Pechuga and is distilled over a dozen fruits, nuts and of course meat that is hung over the pot, allowing the distillate to roll across its surface. You can use any meat you want.
Sampling From the Mash
In this picture I was able to sample the mezcal during fermentation, yummy! This distiller is superstitious and inserts a wood cross in the mash to ensure a successful batch.
Traditional Altars
All over Oaxaca from businesses, homes, and out in the streets, altars are erected to honor the dead. It was quite beautiful and interesting to learn their optimistic perspective on death.
Celebrating Death
We had the privelage to participate in the Dia de los Muertos tradtion, had to get our faces painted!
A Colorful Culture
We had the privelage of visiting and meeting some traditonal Zapotec weavers. They are known for their colorful, handmade, and nautrally dyed textiles.
Giant Tule Tree
We passed through a town on our journey and checked out this amazing Tule tree. 2,000 years old and counting.
Zapotect Ruin Sites
All over certain regions of southern Mexico there are UNESCO world heritage sites, pictographs, ruins and much more. Somehow they were able to survive and maintain their traditions, despite the brutal conquests of the Spanish conquistadors.
Dancing our Lives Away
In this photo Matt’s girlfriend Megan truly captured the energy, audience and the positive vibes during Day of the Dead.
Hiking with the Locals
The landscape in Southern Mexico is incredible. Unbelievable biodiversity ranging from mushrooms, giant agave plants, pines, flowers and much more.
Spain & Portugal
Two great countries, fantastic wine, beautiful landscapes, and traditional cooperages
Sherry Cask Cellar
While in the Spanish wine country we had the privilege of exploring various cellars and cooperages.
Sherry Casks Before Refurb
Many sherry casks are so old that they must undergo refurbishment prior to reuse. In this photo, the cooperage was able to source, collect and stockpile another round of casks for refurbishment.
Private Cellar Tour
One of our contacts invited Megan and I to their home and private cellar to sample their finest wines and experimental projects. Located in the beautiful countryside of Montilla, Spain.
Porto, Portugal
After Spain, we headed over to Portugal to meet with several potential sources. After leaving Lisbon and arriving to Porto, we were blown away by the beauty and history of the city.
Wine Tastings
There are many wineries to choose from in the City of Porto. You can’t go wrong exploring the city and participating in its many wine tasting tours.
Port Aged In Vats
Many cellars had large wood vats full of port wine. It was amazing to be among such large quantities of delicious wine.
Portugal Coast
If only there was enough time to see all of the Portuguese coast. There are many beautiful beaches, good surf, seafood, friendly locals and much more!
Barrels Day & Night
Always fun to stay at Air Bnb’s during barrel trips. Not only do they offer really unique places, but it gives you the opportunity to make new friends with your hosts and gain new perspective.
South America
Finding small batch rum barrels, exploring new cities, markets, and indigenous cultures
Old World Cities
Many ancient temples were destroyed during the Spanish conquests. Some say this statue of the Virgin was built upon on old pyramid . . . who knows?
Rum Barrels
These barrels are amazing. It is very rare to find rum no head bungs, let alone still full upon inspection. These were used over 4 different aging cycles utilizing the solera aging process. They produce very unique, delicious, top shelf rum.
Flat Heads & No Head Bungs
This is a fine example of a rum barrel that has been aged on its side. Because of this, the heads have stayed wet during their aging cycle, preventing any major warping.
OLD CATHEDRALS
There is so much cultured rich history in South America. This stained glass embodies the plant biodiversity from different regions around the continent.
Fresh Markets
All over the different towns you can find markets with fresh produce and unique items from the surrounding areas, sold by the region’s indigenous populations.
Unique Designs
This church definitely has a South American vibe boasting colors that represent the flora and fauna of the Amazon region mixed with European styles of architecture.
Venturing Out
It’s always great to immerse in the natural features of an area. Here we had the chance to see an open volcanic lake in the high altitudes of the mountainous Andes.
Local Churches
Churches are always a major spectacle all over. The design and materials used are truly a lost art form. We find that they are constantly under repair and it is said that if they are ever completed it will be the end of the world . . . truth or folklore?