Garden & Planters
·8 min read
What to Put in the Bottom of a Whiskey Barrel Planter
Drainage holes, liners, filler, and how much soil a half barrel really needs. A setup guide for barrel planters in wet coastal gardens.
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Stories & Ideas
The Island Barrel Blog
Barrel planter setups, rain barrels, home aging, BBQ smoking, and craftsmanship stories from our yard on Vancouver Island.
Browse the barrel gear we recommend →
DIY & Ideas
·7 min read
How to Turn a Whiskey Barrel into a Rain Barrel
A full bourbon barrel holds about 200 litres of rainwater. How to add a spigot, an inlet, and a stand so it gets you through a dry island summer.
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Home Aging
·7 min read
Mini Oak Barrels for Home Aging: Sizes, Taps & Stands
Want to age spirits at home? Why most people start with a 1 to 5 litre barrel, how to cure it, and which taps and stands to keep on hand.
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BBQ & Smoking
·7 min read
How to Use Bourbon Barrel Smoker Chunks for BBQ
Get the most from bourbon barrel smoker chunks on your grill or smoker. How to use whiskey oak BBQ wood, what to cook, and where to buy on Vancouver Island.
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Outdoor & Decor
·6 min read
Why Whiskey Barrels Hold Up Outdoors (And Wine Barrels Don't)
Whiskey barrels get charred inside before they ever hold spirit. That char is why they last for years outside and wine barrels don't.
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Garden & Planters
·5 min read
How to Turn a Whiskey Barrel into a Garden Planter
Half barrels make great garden planters. Here's how to set one up for flowers, herbs, or vegetables on Vancouver Island.
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Craftsmanship
·6 min read
How Authentic Whiskey Barrels Are Made
White oak, fire, and iron hoops. How a whiskey barrel gets built, from raw timber to finished cask.
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