How to Barrel-aged beer

What You Need to Know

A barrel-aged beer is a beer that has been aged for a period of time in a wooden barrel. Typically, these barrels once housed bourbon, whisky, wine, or, to a lesser extent, brandy, sherry, or port. There is a particular tradition of barrel ageing beer in Belgium, notably of lambic beers. The first bourbon barrel-aged beers were produced in the United States in the early 1990s.

Steps

1. 1.

   Flemish Carbonnade (Belgium): Barrel-aged beer provides complex caramelized flavors for braising beef

2. 2.

   Beer Barrel Pretzels (United States): Barrel-aged beer adds depth to the dough and glaze

3. 3.

   Barrel-Aged Beer Ice Cream (Global): Concentrates the vanilla and oak characteristics in frozen desserts

The Science

Primary Reaction

Maillard Reaction

Common Mistakes