The most effective solution for ensuring that barrels comply with requirements is to establish a set of specifications with the supplier.
Upon reception, a thorough inspection of a representative number of the barrels should be carried out:
| Batch size | Tested sample quantity |
|---|---|
| 10 to 15 barrels | 3 barrels |
| 16 to 25 barrels | 5 barrels |
| 26 to 50 barrels | 8 barrels |
| 51 to 90 barrels | 13 barrels |
Various criteria can be applied for this inspection. For example:
| General overview | Construction quality | Size inspections |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel cleanliness | Toasting aspects | Height |
| Marking compliance to set specifications | Aromas | Stave thickness around the bung hole |
| Set specifications for bung compliance | Internal blistering | Diameters for both top and bottom bung holes |
| Hoop binding compliance to set specifications | Marking/traces | Head diameter compared to barrel form |
| Visual quality of the staves | Bilge perimeter | |
| Tree ring amount /cm | Stave number | |
| Barrel bottom cross brace dimensions (height and thickness) |