Spigot

A tapered wooden or bronze spigot, fitted into a hole drilled or burned in a barrel, keg, or large wooden vessel to control the flow of ale, mead, wine, or oil. A cooper fits the spigot to match the vessel’s construction, hammering it tight and sealing with pitch or resin if needed. Tavern-keepers depend on a reliable spigot to serve patrons from the main cask, and merchants use them to dispense goods from storage vessels without full emptying.