We choose only the finest barrels for our bourbon.

Minglewood • August 1, 2023

The barrel matters!

Minglewood Distilling Co. uses all White American oak barrels sourced from Jackson, Ohio. What’s the big deal about White American oak anyway?

First of all, Oak is chosen because of its unique physical and chemical nature. Oak provides strength and it is considered a “pure wood” in comparison to pine or rubber trees, which contain resin canals that can pass strong flavors to maturing whiskey.


Secondly, White American oak differs from European oak in its vanillin content and wide grain. American White oak has a high sugar content and is unique from other oaks due to this vanillin compound. The vanillin causes the vanilla flavor common among American whiskies. The vanillin tends to impart hints of vanilla, coconut and spicy notes typical of oak cask whiskey.

And finally, the wide grain in White American Oak barrels imparts more flavor into the spirit. In addition, oak is popular for barrels because it swells and seals nicely when it is hydrated. 


American Whiskies are regulated by Federal Law, including Bourbon and Rye.  They must be aged in a charred American White Oak Barrel.

Minglewood Distilling Co. orders our barrels in various degrees of char based on the product we plan to put in them. To avoid leaks, we typically fill them within a few days of them being made. Some of our barrels will age our whiskey for 10-15 years!!


Did you know that Minglewood Distilling Co. loses about 4-5% of its inventory each year due to evaporation? This is also known as the “angels share”. For example, a full bourbon barrel (53 gallons) will have lost 13 gallons in 5 years! Most losses are simply due to the liquor working its way through the oak barrel. On some occasions it will leak out cracks, seams, knots and even an unseen worm hole.


Barrel Leaks

 It's common for newly constructed barrels to leak when they are first filled. This is because the wood needs to absorb some of the liquid and swell to seal the joints completely. Over time, these leaks often stop as the wood swells and seals the gaps.

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Bottle in Bond

By Minglewood • June 25, 2024
What is Bottle in Bond? The Bottle-in-Bond Act was implemented into Federal law on March 3, 1897. The purpose of this act was to guarantee consumers when and where the whiskey was truly being produced and it was pure in nature. Back then, and in some cases, even today, whiskey producers may not entirely be forthright as to the origin of their product. There are several requirements for a whiskey to bear the label “Bottle-in-Bond” or bonded. A Bottle in Bond liquor must be the product of one distillation season (January–June or July–December) by one distiller at one distillery. 2. A Bottle in Bond liquor must have been aged in a federal bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years. 3. A Bottle in Bond liquor must be bottled at 100 proof. 4. The Bottle in Bond liquor must also identify the distillery where it was distilled. To add one more level of transparency, a distillery will also include their Federally assigned DSP number (Distilled Spirit Plant). Consumers consider the term, Bottle in Bond, to be an endorsement of quality. Minglewood Distilling Co. Bottle-in-Bond Bourbon and Rye Whiskey check all the boxes. Additionally, Minglewood Distilling Co. uses locally grown corn, rye, and wheat which is freshly milled on-site by our distillers. This close attention to the ingredients carries through to all facets of our whisky production. Our Ohio made, locally sourced barrels are built to our precise specifications and filled within one week of being crafted. Lastly, all Minglewood Distilling Co. whiskeys are stored in our on-site, Federally Bonded warehouse. The barrel house boasts three floors of storage and is unique in being one of the very few steam-heated warehouses in the United States. Three open floors and steady steam heat give our fine distillate the perfect environment to age slowly and gracefully, thus offering a smooth and consistent flavor profile. Barrels are meticulously selected for our Bottle-in Bond line. Age, tasting notes, barrel condition, barrel room location and production notes are all taken into consideration when making the selection. We hope you enjoy all the care and thoughtfulness that goes into these fine bonded spirits. Our Bottle-in-bond is like enjoying your favorite home cooked meal. When you focusing on the finer details, invest the time to do something right, use quality ingredients and care that are well worth the effort and final result. Cheers!

Get a unique experience at our distillery!! Book a weekly or premium tour today!

By Minglewood • August 1, 2023
Discover the craft of Whiskey with exclusive distillery tours. Calling all whiskey enthusiasts! If you have ever wondered about the art and science behind distilling premium spirits, now is your chance to dive into an unforgettable experience right here in Wooster, Ohio! Our distillery is offering weekly tours on Friday and Saturdays with private and group tours available upon request. Our tours offer a look at the journey from raw ingredients to the final product. Experience the history. Your tour begins with a captivating overview of the historic Minglewood Coal & Ice building in downtown Wooster, Ohio. What was once a bustling coal and ice company has transformed into a state of the art distillery. On our tours you will learn about the unique evolution of our facility and how we have preserved elements of its industrial past while embracing cutting edge distillation technology. Behind the scenes. You will be guided through our distillation process. Our custom built still is the heart of our operation. Learn about the intricate steps involved in creating our signature bourbons and rye whiskeys when you book our premium tour! We dive into the details of mash bills and how each ingredient contributes to the complex flavors and aromas that define our spirits. Visit the barrel room. One of the highlights of the tour is our aging room. Here you will step into a three story barrel storage area, the only steam heated barrel room in Ohio! Our carefully selected white American oak barrels play a crucial role in shaping the character of our whiskies and YOU get to see them up close and personal!! Our tour guides will explain how the barrels contribute to the spirits unique qualities and why they are essential to the aging process. Savor the guided tasting. The tour concludes with an in depth guided tasting of a selection of our handcrafted spirits. This is where you can savor the distinctive flavors and aromas. Whether you are a bourbon connoisseur or new to whiskey, this tasting experience will broaden your palate and deepen your appreciation for the craftmanship involved. Sign up for our premium tour and explore the differences between bourbon and rye whiskey, gaining insights that you can share with your friends. Book your private tour today. Looking for something unique to experience right here in downtown Wooster, Ohio?! Our private and group tours are available by contacting us directly. These tours are only offered on select dates, so don't miss your chance to reserve your spot. Whether you are planning a special outing, a corporate event or simply want to treat yourself, Minglewood Distilling Co. offers an engaging and memorable experience. Contact us today to book your tour! Located in downtown Wooster, Ohio. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion for crafting exceptional spirits.
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