Marrying

Definition

Marrying is the process by which the contents from several barrels are gathered in a single vessel or tank with the aim of achieving a more uniform profile of aroma, flavor, and color prior to bottling.

Purpose

• Select barrels based on analytical data and sensory samples to identify complementary characteristics.
• Consider differences in alcohol strength, tannins, sweetness, and aromatic components.
• Improve documentation, traceability, and reproducibility of the blending process.

Process and Methods

1) Selection and Evaluation - Select barrels based on analytical data and sensory samples to identify complementary properties. - Consider differences in alcohol strength, tannins, sweetness, and aromatic components.

2) Vessel Preparation - Cleaning of the vessel and control of environmental conditions to minimize unwanted oxidation and cross-contamination. - Tune temperature and humidity so that the conditions do not create uneven development.

3) Proportioning - The master blender determines the shares from each barrel to achieve the desired profile and homogeneity.

4) Blending - Contents from the barrels are poured together into the vessel under controlled conditions and continuously monitored through tasting and analytical measurements.

5) Post-treatment - Optional additional rest or shorter maturation in the vessel after blending to stabilize the final profile before bottling.

Effects on the Profile

• Increased consistency in aroma, flavor, and color, reducing differences between bottles within a batch.
• Ability to highlight desired notes or dampen less dominant characteristics through strategic blending.
• Risk of oversmoothing character traits from individual barrels, which can reduce distinctiveness and identity in some releases.

Control, Documentation and Quality

• Careful recording of sources, proportions and timings in a batch log.
• Sensory evaluations and analytical data are used to approve the blend prior to bottling.
• Traceability: attaching each batch number to the individual barrels and the vessel ensures full traceability.

Related Concepts

• Blending, batch blending, bottling, finishing, vat blending.