Perfect for wine, beer, and any liquor
Did you know…?
Although the term “barrel” is generally used as a synonym for “cask,” the cask refers specifically to the barrel used primarily in the wine industry, with a capacity of 300 liters. It differs from other types of barrels because its staves are bound with wooden strips instead of metal hoops.
At nortap, our journey began with the manufacture of silicone plugs for wine barrels, but we have expanded our expertise. Today, we also produce plugs for beer, liquor, and even for specialty barrels used in organic farming.
Plugs for wine barrels
The oak barrels add aromas, tannins, and structure to the wine during its maturation process. Just as the different types of oak (their degree of toasting and the volume of the container) create a wide range of nuances that leave their essence in the wine, the nortap plugs are designed to do nothing. No odors, no flavors. Just the perfect seal for the barrel’s opening.
French oak barrels provide subtle and delicate flavors, while American oak barrels impart much stronger notes with less tannin transfer. Spanish oak barrels offer vanilla and smoky nuances, ideal for red wines. Acacia barrels, with minimal toasting, are often used for white wines due to their fresh notes, and cherry barrels, depending on the toasting level, can give both reds and whites intense plum or cherry nuances.
No matter the wine being produced or the desired nuance, the choice of plug is independent of the choice of barrel wood.
Plugs for beer barrels
Although aging beer in wooden barrels has become a trend in recent years, it is not a new practice. If the winemaker is a key figure in wine production, in the world of beer, the brewmaster holds that title.
The barrel aging process adds unique nuances to beer. Oak barrels impart coconut, vanilla, and spicy notes, while bourbon barrels provide intense caramel tones with hints of ripe fruit.
Beers aged in barrels with silicone plugs, from the cask to the glass.
Plugs for liquor barrels
With liquor barrels, aside from the different types of wood, there are many models (in terms of capacity and shape), which, like with other liquids, affect the final product based on their origin and especially their use (the liquor they will contain).
Gorda
– Capacity: 700 liters.
– Use: American whiskey distilleries, especially for malts.
Madeira Drum
– Capacity: 650 liters.
– Shape: A small, stout barrel made from thick French oak staves.
– Use: Aging Madeira wines.
Port Pipe
– Capacity: 650 liters.
– Shape: Tall and long.
– Use: Aging Port wine and finishing certain whiskies.
Butt
– Capacity: 500 liters.
– Use: Maturing sherry in Spain and used for both whisky finishing and full maturation.
Machine Puncheon
– Capacity: 500 liters.
– Shape: Low, wide, and made of thick American oak staves.
– Use: Rum and sherry industries, as well as whisky finishing.
Hogshead
– Capacity: 250 liters (traditional British barrel since the 15th century).
– Shape: Made from American white oak.
– Use: Aging bourbon, then sent to Scotland and Ireland for whisky maturation.
ASB (American Standard Barrel)
– Capacity: 200 liters.
– Shape: The American adaptation of the Hogshead, optimized for industrial processes.
– Use: Whisky maturation in Scotland and Ireland.
Quarter Cask
– Capacity: 50 liters.
– Use: Accelerates the aging process for whiskies.
Blood Tub
– Capacity: 40 liters.
– Shape: Oval and elongated, originally designed for transport on horseback.
– Use: Primarily in beer production, occasionally for aging special whisky editions.
At nortap, we have a wide stock of standard plugs but also the capability to manufacture custom plugs to perfectly fit your barrel openings. The hardness and shape of our silicone plugs ensure a perfect seal with the barrel. They are made from 100% food-grade silicone, organoleptically neutral, and meet all requirements of the BfR and comply with FDA standards.
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