UK Barrels
Abbreviation/Symbol:
bbl (UK)
Worldwide use:
UK barrels, also known as imperial barrels, are a unit of measurement commonly used in the United Kingdom for the volume of liquids such as oil, beer, and spirits. Despite being primarily used in the UK, UK barrels are also recognized and utilized in various other countries around the world.
Origin:
The origin of UK barrels can be traced back to the medieval period when barrels were commonly used for storing and transporting goods such as wine, beer, and oil. The standard size of a UK barrel was established in the 15th century by the Worshipful Company of Coopers, a guild of craftsmen who were responsible for making barrels. The size of a UK barrel was defined as 36 imperial gallons, which is equivalent to approximately 163.66 liters.
Usage context:
UK barrels are commonly used in the brewing and distilling industries to measure the volume of beer, whisky, and other alcoholic beverages. In these contexts, barrels are often used as a traditional unit of measurement that harkens back to the historical practice of storing and transporting liquids in wooden barrels. While the use of UK barrels has declined in some industries due to the adoption of the metric system, they continue to hold cultural and historical significance in the UK and are still used in specific contexts where traditional units are preferred.