Just added two 50L F/O Artisan barrels. Before: St Martin, Seguine Moreau and Rousseau. Fewer companies offer small format barrels. None that I tried are that much better than the other that I have a preference except the seguine Moreau. Brick Packaging began distributing them a few years ago and either Brick no longer carries the 50/55L barrels or Seguine Moreau longer makes them. Last time I purchased from Brick they only had Rousseau. Availability and price are important and AB has a good product at a good price. Additionally, I like dealing with them.
I only purchase FO because I find them more subtle. 50/55L barrels are portable enough for me plus they allow me to age wines in different age/strength barrels. I age for two years and add one or two new 50/55L barrels a year.
I only purchase FO because I find them more subtle. 50/55L barrels are portable enough for me plus they allow me to age wines in different age/strength barrels. I age for two years and add one or two new 50/55L barrels a year.