Olivia Barrelton comes from three generations of coopers (barrel makers) and brings unmatched expertise in wood aging techniques to the brewing world. After apprenticing at distilleries in Scotland and wineries in France, she applied her knowledge of wood influences to beer aging. Olivia specializes in matching beer styles with complementary wood varieties, from traditional oak to exotic alternatives like amburana and cypress. She has developed innovative methods for home barrel aging and alternatives for those without space for full barrels. Her experimental wood-aged series has won multiple awards at homebrew competitions.
Discover the key differences between cider vs wine fermentation in this comprehensive guide. From unique fruit characteristics and processing techniques to yeast behavior and aging potential, learn why these seemingly similar processes produce distinctly different beverages. Whether you’re a home…
Discover how to elevate your homebrew with wood chips – the ultimate guide to selecting, preparing, and using wood in beer. Learn the perfect combination of wood types, toast levels, and contact times for your favorite beer styles, plus advanced…
Master the art of bottle conditioning with our comprehensive guide. Learn how temperature affects carbonation time, troubleshoot common problems, and discover expert techniques for perfect naturally carbonated beer every time. Includes an interactive carbonation timeline calculator. The first time I…
Learn how to make delicious grape wine at home with our expert step-by-step guide. Discover the best grape varieties, essential equipment, and professional techniques for creating impressive homemade wine from scratch. Perfect for intermediate home winemakers looking to craft authentic grape wines with proper aging techniques.
Discover expert solutions to common winemaking problems from stuck fermentations to hazy wine, off-flavors, and more. Learn prevention techniques and rescue strategies to save your homemade wine and improve future batches. The Art and Science of Troubleshooting Wine Winemaking is…
Discover expert techniques for barrel aging homebrew with our comprehensive guide. Learn about barrel selection, preparation, aging times, and flavor development to create complex, award-winning beers at home. The Transformative Power of Wood There’s something almost magical about barrel-aged beer.…
Discover the 8 essential steps to making incredible wine at home with our ultimate beginner’s guide. Learn equipment needs, ingredients selection, and expert techniques for creating successful homemade wine. There’s something deeply satisfying about pouring a glass of wine you’ve…