[JWinkler]

I have 2 - 2 liter barrels started from Christmas 2011, 1 has Wasmund's rye and 1 has rye and bourbon. I placed both barrels into a 5 gallon plastic bucket (one on the bottom and one on the top) using bungy cords to hold each in place. I covered the top of the bucket with plastic and secured it with string. I then tied some heavy construction string to a football and tossed it up and over a limb 20 feet high. So......now I have bourbon hanging from a tree. The wind keeps the bucket moving to agitate the spirits and the Illinois weather allows the barrel to experience cold winters and hot summers. I tasted both after 12 months, the rye was rich and flavorful, the rye and bourbon mix was good but needs more time. I have started 1 more for this 2012 Christmas season, this time a 3 liter barrel filled with Buffalo Trace Wheated White Dog and 1 full bottle of Maker's Mark (just to kick start the aging process). So now I have 3 barrels of bourbon hanging from a tree!