The three basic stages of producing bourbon are: distillation, aging and finally bottling. In the aging phase, the liquid “sits” in the barrel for a period of time. This time period can range anywhere from months up to several years. During this phase, the liquid moves in and out of the wood as temperatures of the seasons change. As a result, these barrels are exposed to extreme variations of temperature. During this process, portions of the liquid leak out of the barrel through cracks and/or imperfections in the wood barrel. This leaking bourbon “caramelizes” on the outside of the barrel, creating what distillers call “bourbon tears.” This photograph shows what a barrel might look like after several years of aging. Take notice of the “tears.”
This image was made with my Samsung cell phone using an ISO of 200, at f/1.7 for 1/10 of a second. The image was then fine-tuned using Photoshop.
7 comments posted
Melissa Cramer Sonnen
James - I think this is great for a hand-held. Usually, I don't care for a light green background bcause it normally distracts, but here is feels like the exact oposite. The sameness of the green actually highlights the bug. Your texture on the wings is amazing, and it is always a plus to have the antennae so sharp. I am curious - what ISO was this taken at? Posted: 11/02/2024 12:45:49
Karen Botvin
Jim, isn't this the same image as last month? Posted: 11/03/2024 21:31:06
James Silliman
It is the same image. I don't know what happened. I am preparing my November submission. Stay tuned. LOL Posted: 11/03/2024 21:52:44
Charissa Lansing
Hi Jim,
Thank you for the interesting background information. When I first viewed this image I imagined the two barrels had rolled down the ramp. The 'tears' in the aging stage from the barrel in the foreground were easy to find.
I'm curious about the sources of light in this image and their location. Thanks for any information and for sharing this with the group.
Posted: 11/14/2024 01:16:53
James Silliman
Thank you for your comments Charissa. Before I answer your questions, let me say something about the format. I realized this image is marginal in terms of "close-up," but my concentration is on the "bourbon tears." The overall image puts the "tears" in perspective. To answer your question about lighting, the image was made using natural lighting on the top floor of the warehouse, known as a "rickhouse." The barrels were located mid-way in the building. There are windows at both ends of the corridor. These windows provide natural lighting. Posted: 11/14/2024 02:17:51
Charissa Lansing
Thanks, Jim, for the helpful information on the lighting for this interesting image. I agree providing the context for the setting further enhances it. Posted: 11/20/2024 14:55:18
Karen Botvin
Nice image, Jim, and interesting information about how bourbon is aged. Posted: 11/16/2024 22:44:31
