Hot Dry Weather

[captnKB]

Ive seen a few distilleries out there operating in climates that are hot and dry. Word is angels share is huge in this climate and spraying down the barrels regularly with water will help reduce evaporation loss. Can anyone with experience weigh in on this concept?

[kleclerc77]

When I worked in Santa Fe, the loss was ridiculous. Up to 60% over a couple years. Climate/humidity control was the solution, we never tried spraying everything down. Seems a little sloppy.

[DonMateo]

How about wrapping the outside of the barrels in plastic or HDPE.  You will still get oxygenation through the heads. 
Matt 

[captnKB]

@DonMateoIve heard of a few distilleries trying the wrap your barrel concept with bad results. 

@kleclerc77 That is some crazy loss. I hope we can keep our loss well below that with controlled humidity

[Silk City Distillers]

We were playing around with humidification sprayer nozzles for the cold dry winters up in the Northeast.  There are systems commercially available but they are fairly expensive.  They don’t drip or make anything wet, which is a plus.

[Julius]

We have been experimenting wih solutions to this problem.

Spraying down barrels can make them leach. If barrels are stored vertically palatized, standing water on the heads can water down your spirit.

We have had some luck flooding the floor of our storage. 30 minutes on a timer in the morning keeps the humidity up in the storage barn all day. 

Def an ongoing battle for us. 

[bluestar]

Humidify. In winter, steam humidifiers; in summer, wicking air conditioners. Or, use a misting system similar to what is used in green houses.