The problem with barrels? They don’t age like fine whiskey. Instead, they lose effectiveness with each aging cycle. Consistently replacing them, whether new or second hand, is also costly and unsustainable for most. The common fix? Many distillers use oak alternatives to extend the life of their barrels.

However, despite oak alternatives being effective, they each have their own drawbacks:

  • Absorption loss

Chips, staves, poles, and other alternatives all absorb some of the distillate during aging. This directly reduces your yield and directly impacts your cost per liter/gallon of your final product.

  • Displacement loss

Inserts can displace up to 6 liters or 2.5% of the barrel volume. This reduces the space for the spirit to be aged, therefore reducing your production volumes and efficiency.

  • Flavor scalping

Powders and small chips can often absorb aroma compounds, resulting in flavor scalping. This then requires you to further fine-tune your spirits post-aging, adding time and complexity.

  • Extra labor

All alternatives need to be inserted and removed from barrels which can be a difficult process when barrels are stacked, requiring de-stacking and re-stacking. This process can cause production delays and extra labor costs.

Madeva takes a different path

Madeva is a natural liquid oak extract that you apply directly inside used barrels. Madeva absorbs into the tired wood and replenishes the oak compounds that have been depleted over time. This reconditions the cask and allows aging to continue as intended. Unlike oak alternatives, Madeva works through the barrel, not the spirit. It’s through this difference that many complications are eliminated.

The Madeva Difference

  • Integration

Oak alternatives normally float in the distillate, leaving behind a residue, absorbing yield, and displacing liquid. In contrast, Madeva absorbs fully into the wood, maximizing your yield and requiring no filtration post-aging.

  • Quality

Alternatives often scalp your signature flavor. Madeva simply replenishes the oak phenolics, keeping your spirit full of character and protecting your signature taste.

  • Efficiency

Since alternatives do not fully integrate, they often require extra labor for removal. With Madeva, if you fill your barrels without moving them, then you can apply Madeva the same way – directly through the bung.

With Madeva, there’s no hidden costs. You’ve already invested in your barrels. So, let us help you get more from every one of them.

Ready to trial it for yourself? Our team is here to answer any questions and help you bring new life to your barrels, with ease.