Spile

Spile

A spile is a small wooden, metal, or plastic peg or spigot used in various applications, most notably in the tapping of maple trees for maple syrup production and in the venting of cask ale.

Maple Syrup Production

In the context of maple syrup production, a spile is inserted into a hole drilled into a maple tree to allow the sap to flow out. This sap is then collected and boiled down to produce maple syrup. The process typically occurs in the early spring when the temperatures are above freezing during the day and below freezing at night, which causes the sap to flow.

Maple sap dripping from a spile

The spile is traditionally made of wood, but modern spiles are often made of metal or plastic. The design of the spile allows it to be easily inserted and removed from the tree, minimizing damage to the tree and allowing it to heal quickly after the spile is removed.

Cask Ale Venting

In the brewing industry, a spile is used in the process of conditioning cask ale. After the ale has been brewed and placed into a cask, it undergoes a secondary fermentation. During this time, a spile is used to control the release of carbon dioxide and to allow air to enter the cask, which is necessary for the ale to develop its characteristic flavor and carbonation.

Casks with spiles used for venting

There are two types of spiles used in this process: soft spiles and hard spiles. Soft spiles are made of porous materials like bamboo or soft wood and are used to allow the cask to "breathe" during fermentation. Hard spiles, typically made of harder wood or plastic, are used to seal the cask when the ale is ready to be served.

Other Uses

Spiles can also be used in other applications where controlled venting or liquid flow is required. For example, they can be used in barrels for aging spirits or wines, allowing for the controlled release of gases and preventing spoilage.

Related Pages

• Maple syrup
• Cask ale
• Brewing
• Barrel