Capped barrel system and methods

A capped barrel system for aging liquids comprising:

• a barrel including:
• a plurality of staves made of a wood suitable for aging liquids,
• at least one hoop for holding the staves together,
• a head coupled to the plurality of staves, wherein raised ends of the plurality of staves form a chime that extends upwardly beyond the head;
• a bunghole formed in the head, and
• an exterior surface formed at least in part by the plurality of staves;
• and
• a barrel cap removably coupled to the barrel and including:
• a lid including a top portion positioned above the head of the barrel and a rim extending downwardly from the top portion,
• wherein the rim includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a seal;
• wherein the seal defines at least a portion of the inner surface and cooperates with and contacts the exterior surface of the barrel at a location below and spaced apart from the chime to provide a gas tight fit between the barrel and the barrel cap, and
• an opening formed in the top portion of the lid that is generally aligned with the bunghole;
• and
• a closure removably positioned in the opening to seal the opening.