Abstract: Compound bung-type stopper assemblies for wine and spirits barrels, comprising a body having an enlarged head portion, a reduced, tapered neck portion and a tapered, disposable elastomeric cup that snugly fits over the neck. The taper permits the inventive compound bung to be universal in fit and the elastomeric material of the cup grippingly conforms to bunghole irregularities. The body can be re-used with multiple cups, each being dedicated to a different wine or spirit, or after the cup has worn out. Body materials are selected from any essentially low- or non-resilient material, including glass, hard plastic (such as polycarbonate), wood, metal or ceramic, and may be colored. The head may be domed or flat, and may be decorated, as by etching, embossing or painting with the winemakers or winery mark. The inventive compound bungs/bodies that are identified by such marks may be sold as collectibles or as commemorative devices.

Abstract: Compound bung-type stopper assemblies for wine and spirits barrels, comprising a body having an enlarged head portion, a reduced, tapered neck portion and a tapered, disposable elastomeric cup that snugly fits over the neck. The taper permits the inventive compound bung to be universal in fit and the elastomeric material of the cup grippingly conforms to bunghole irregularities. The body can be re-used with multiple cups, each being dedicated to a different wine or spirit, or after the cup has worn out. Body materials are selected from any essentially low- or non-resilient material, including glass, hard plastic (such as polycarbonate), wood, metal or ceramic, and may be colored. The head may be domed or flat, and may be decorated, as by etching, embossing or painting with the winemakers or winery mark. The inventive compound bungs/bodies that are identified by such marks may be sold as collectibles or as commemorative devices.