Aris & Marianna Aristidou (co-founders)
THE BARREL PROGRAM by ARISTIDES DISTILLING
We believe that a story worth telling has to come from personal experience and it doesn’t get any more personal than becoming a member of our Barrel Club!
Aristides Distilling is launching the second of a series of initiatives that target spirit enthusiasts and any person who is interested to learn and gain some experience in the production of great-tasting spirits. This is what handcrafted distilling is all about! We believe that a story worth telling has to come from personal experience and it doesn’t get any more personal than becoming a member of our Barrel Club! There are many reasons to invest in a barrel of whiskey, let alone make one! It’s an investment that appreciates over time, it’s a rare learning experience, it’s a great marketing opportunity, it’s a unique gift, and it’s a barrel of whiskey with a great story, your story! Whatever the reason Aristides Distilling is here to ensure that you will have the best quality handcrafted spirit in it.
How does it work?
The members of the Barrel Club become owners of a brand-new American Oak 4-liter barrel prepped and filled with 45% whiskey by Aristides Distilling's master distiller. The members, under our guidance, will keep their barrels at home and taste their whiskey at monthly intervals, allowing them to experience the process of barrel aging.
How long does this aging process take?
The official aging duration of Whiskey under European law is 3 years but due to the warm Cyprus weather and the higher surface area ratio of a small barrel, the whiskey will extract the barrel’s characteristics faster than a standard size barrel. So we recommend tasting your whiskey every month and making your own decision on when to stop the process according to your own taste preferences. After that, we can refill your barrel with another batch of new make spirit...
What happens if I want to bottle it sooner than 3 years?
If you’re satisfied with the taste of your whiskey, you may bottle it sooner but the term “whiskey” cannot be used on the bottle label under EU law but that's for commercial use! Once the barrel is emptied then you may refill it with a new batch of whiskey or save it for later use. Our guess is that you will not age it for more than 9 months!
Who provides the bottles and the labels?
We provide you with a specific bottle along with a predesigned label for your whiskey. If you desire a different bottle and a customized label, then you need to procure them. Due to government laws, all spirit bottles have to be properly labelled before they leave our premises, so any customized label needs to adhere to these terms and conditions so it will need our approval.
Who will fill the barrels/bottles?
We usually prepare the barrel and fill it with your whiskey but you can also participate in the process!
What type of whiskey will go into my barrel?
We always recommend starting off with a single grain whiskey for the first fill and then following up with a single malt but other types of new make whiskey will be announced as they become available for you to taste and decide which direction you may want to take after that initial round.
How often do I taste my whiskey?
As often as you want although we recommend once a month!
How much does membership cost?
Barrel Club membership costs 240 euros per person per barrel, and this includes:
1) A new 4-liter American oak barrel
2) 4 liters of new make whiskey at 45% ABV
3) 6 x 70cl bottles along with labels and corks.
4) All excise duties and VAT required by the authorities.
5) Providing you with support/advice during the entire aging period.
1) A new 4-liter American oak barrel
2) 4 liters of new make whiskey at 45% ABV
3) 6 x 70cl bottles along with labels and corks.
4) All excise duties and VAT required by the authorities.
5) Providing you with support/advice during the entire aging period.
Do I have other choices of other spirits or different barrel size?
Yes, there are other options available. Please contact us!
How can I maintain my barrel?
Special instructions will be provided to help you keep your barrel in good shape.
Whiskey Wheel
