When it comes to the number of bottles of bourbon in a barrel, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the barrel, the age of the bourbon, and the evaporation loss during aging all play a role in determining the final yield.
Firstly, let's talk about the size of the barrel. The standard barrel used for aging bourbon is a 53-gallon barrel. However, it's important to note that not all barrels are filled to the brim. There is usually some headspace left in the barrel to allow for expansion and contraction of the liquid during the aging process. This headspace can vary depending on the distillery's practices, but it typically ranges from 5-10% of the total barrel volume.
Next, the age of the bourbon will also affect the final yield. As bourbon ages in the barrel, a portion of it is lost to evaporation, commonly referred to as the “angel's share.” This evaporation loss can vary depending on the climate and storage conditions, but it is generally estimated to be around 2-4% per year. So, the older the bourbon, the less of it there will be when the barrel is emptied.
To give you a rough estimate, let's assume we have a standard 53-gallon barrel filled 90% to allow for headspace. If we take the median range of evaporation loss at 3% per year, we can make some calculations.
Year 1: 53 gallons x 90% = 47.7 gallons
Year 2: 47.7 gallons – (47.7 gallons x 3%) = 46.36 gallons
Year 3: 46.36 gallons – (46.36 gallons x 3%) = 45.05 gallons
And so on…
As you can see, the volume of bourbon in the barrel decreases each year due to evaporation. This means that the older the bourbon, the less of it there will be when the barrel is emptied.
Now, let's talk about the number of bottles that can be filled from a barrel. A standard bourbon bottle contains 750ml (or 0.75 liters) of liquid. To determine the number of bottles, we need to convert the remaining volume of bourbon in the barrel (in gallons) to liters and then divide it by the volume of a single bottle.
Assuming the remaining volume in the barrel after aging is 45.05 gallons:
45.05 gallons = 170.58 liters (1 gallon = 3.78541 liters)
Now, let's divide this volume by the volume of a single bottle (0.75 liters):
170.58 liters / 0.75 liters = 227.44 bottles
So, based on these calculations, we can estimate that a full barrel of bourbon will yield around 150-200 bottles, depending on the age and evaporation loss.
Of course, it's important to note that these numbers are approximate and can vary depending on various factors. Different distilleries may have slightly different barrel sizes, headspace allowances, and evaporation rates. Additionally, the yield can also depend on the preference of the distiller, as some may choose to bottle a barrel with less remaining bourbon to achieve a desired flavor profile.
The number of bottles of bourbon in a barrel can vary but is typically around 150-200 bottles. The age of the bourbon and evaporation loss during aging are key factors in determining the final yield. Cheers!