
Wood barrel bungs come in various shapes and sizes, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches in diameter.
A standard bung is usually made from wood, often from oak or other hardwoods.
Customization options include selecting the type of wood and the diameter of the bung.
For example, a 3-inch oak bung is a popular choice for many barrel makers.
What is a Bung?
A bung is a small, cylindrical piece of wood used to plug holes in wooden barrels.
Wood bungs are primarily used to ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks from the container.
They're commonly made from poplar, but also various other wood species including white oak and walnut.
The purpose of a bung is to prevent leaks, which is particularly important for aging and storing liquids like wine, beer, or spirits.
A tight seal is crucial to maintain the volume and quality of the product.
Wood bungs can be removed when necessary by drilling them out or using a bung extractor tool.
Different wood species may be chosen for bungs based on their durability, moisture resistance, and aesthetic qualities.
Types of Bungs
There are several types of bungs used for wood barrel bungs, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common types are wooden bungs, plastic bungs, and metal bungs.
Wooden bungs are made from natural wood materials, such as oak or cedar, and are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal and ability to seal the barrel tightly. They can be made from a variety of wood types.
Plastic bungs, on the other hand, are made from durable plastic materials and are often used in food-grade applications. They are easy to clean and maintain.
Standard Tapered Bung
The Standard Tapered Bung is a type of stopper used to seal the openings of barrels. It's the most popular type of bung, and for good reason.
The sides of a Standard Tapered Bung are cut with a knife, which gives it a unique shape. This shape is specifically designed to match the taper of the bung hole, ensuring a snug fit.
This snug fit is crucial for preventing leaks or spills, making the Standard Tapered Bung a reliable choice for many applications. The five-degree taper is a key feature that sets it apart from other types of bungs.
Straight Side with Chamfer Bung

The Straight Side with Chamfer Bung is a popular choice for many applications. It features a straight, cylindrical side and a heavy chamfered edge on the bottom.
This design allows for easy insertion of the bung into the container's opening while still providing a secure seal. This is especially important in head-filled barrels, where the bung hole is in the center of the barrel head.
The straight side of this bung provides full contact to the staves, which is ideal for head-filled barrels with straight-sided holes. This is a big advantage over traditional taper holes found in side-filled barrels.
A diameter of 2-¼" is typical for this type of bung, making it suitable for most head-filled barrels.
Product Information
A bung is the stopper used to seal a barrel, typically made of popular lumber, but can be of other wood species as well. They are usually located on the side of the barrel in one of the staves called the bung stave.
Here are some key details about bungs:
- Fits most standard Whiskey and Wine barrels thirty gallons and up.
- Grown and made in USA.
A bung is essential for distillers as it allows them to periodically taste their distillate, which is crucial for determining the aging process of their spirits.
Product Spotlight:

This month, we're shining the spotlight on a crucial component of the distilling process: the wooden barrel bung. A bung is the stopper used to seal a barrel, typically made of popular lumber like poplar wood.
The bung hole is usually located on the side of the barrel in one of the staves called the bung stave. This design allows distillers to periodically taste their distillate without having to remove the entire bung.
A traditional poplar wood barrel bung fits most standard Whiskey and Wine barrels thirty gallons and up. It's grown and made in the USA, making it a great choice for domestic distillers.
As spirits age, a distiller or blender will taste a distillate in the barrel many times as it matures. This process can be repeated multiple times, which is why replacement bungs are a must-have for any serious distiller.
There are different types of bung species to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here's a quick rundown of the most common types:
Some bungs may pop out with a pounding with a mallet on the stave around the bung, while others may require a Bung Puller. It's essential to have the right tools for the job to avoid damaging the barrel or the bung.
Galbarrel

GalBarrel is a popular choice among cooperages and distilleries, and it's been used for over a century. This is because poplar wooden barrel bungs expand well to create a tight seal without damaging the barrel.
The standard 5-degree taper of GalBarrel bungs ensures a perfect fit into tapered holes. This design feature is key to a secure seal.
A package of GalBarrel bungs usually contains 10 pieces. This is convenient for those who need to replace bungs frequently.
GalBarrel bungs are available in two size options: 2” and 2-¼”. The 2” bung fits the majority of 53-gallon spirit barrels.
Here's a quick reference guide to GalBarrel bungs:
- 10 bungs per package.
- Standard 2” bung fits the majority of 53-gallon spirit barrels
- Two size options: 2” and 2-¼”
Customization and Options
We supply wood barrel bungs to countries all over the world.
Our ability to produce metric sizes ensures an exact fit for our customers' needs.
We also offer the option to laser engrave bungs with a company's logo, making them perfect for promotional items, giveaways on tours, tasting, and even business cards.
Customization

We supply products to countries all over the world, which means you can have a customized item shipped directly to your doorstep.
Being the manufacturer allows us to produce metric sizes, ensuring an exact fit for your needs.
We've recently added the option to laser engrave products with a company's logo, giving you a unique promotional item.
These customized products are still of the highest quality, making them perfect for production use.
Customers have used them for giveaways on tours, tasting, and even business cards, so you can get creative with your customization options.
Cincinnati Dowel Available
Cincinnati Dowel is a supplier that offers dependable wooden bungs and other wood components.
If you're looking for high-quality wooden bungs, Cincinnati Dowel is a great option to consider.
Cincinnati Dowel's cooperage and distilling items are available for browsing, including wooden bungs that you can count on.
You can leave a five-star review on Google to share your positive experience with Cincinnati Dowel.
Cincinnati Dowel also has social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where you can find more tips and info on wood components.
Specifications and Sizing

Our standard sizing for bungs is pretty straightforward, with diameters ranging from 1” to 10” and the most popular being 2”. The diameter tolerance is +0.020" / -0.000".
The thickness of a bung depends on the size of the barrel it's used with, with thicker bungs allowing for a single bung to fit multiple barrel sizes, like a 2” or 2-1/18” barrel.
We can make bungs anywhere from ¾" to 1-7/16” thick, with the most popular being 7/8”. Thicker bungs also provide a better grip and removal.
The taper of a bung is determined by the type of hole in the barrel or the barrel size itself. A standard 5-degree taper is usually a good match for most barrels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hole in a wooden barrel called?
The hole in a wooden barrel is called a bung hole. It's used for emptying or filling the barrel, as well as releasing gases in wine barrels.
Sources
- https://www.cincinnatidowel.com/blog/entry/product-spotlight-wooden-barrel-bungs/
- https://www.hobbyhomebrew.com/product/wooden-barrel-bung-1-27-32-fe492/
- https://thecountycooperage.ca/products/wooden-bung
- https://www.blindpigdrinkingco.com/products/oak-barrel-bungs
- https://www.morebeer.com/products/wooden-bung.html
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