Previously filled barrel now evaporated safe to use?

[Anoman]

Hi there, I have a 5L barrel that had about a 375ml remaining of whiskey in it. This was sitting in my shed for about a year and angels took all of it, it has completely evaporated and is now dry. It has been sitting empty for say half year or so if I had to guess. Is it safe to use to age more spirits? Or will some type of fungus/mold/etc have grown inside?

Thanks all for your wide input.

[Anoman]

Another pic of bottom.

[Demy]

You could peek with a flashlight to check the status inside, if it has no mold use your sense of smell. Finally, I would recommend a short rinse with a strong alcohol. However, you shouldn't have any particular problems since there was an alcoholic product inside.

[HDNB]

no problem. fillerup.

well....swell it first. then fillerup

[nerdybrewer]

Check for leaks by filling with water, personally I'd use warm water.
After sitting dry there may be shrinkage leading to tiny gaps that could seep (or pour) out.
Keep it filled with water until it stops leaking, then you can empty and fill with spirits.

[Anoman]

Ok cool I’ll report back with my findings. Thanks everyone. I actually just spoke with a a friend who has a snake scope hopefully we can take a look inside and see what happens.

[8Ball]

Good advice so far. The instructions for my 5G cask were to pour a gallon of almost boiling water in it and put the bung in loosely. Slosh it around a little and then let it sit for a few hours. That should cause it to swell and seal up good.

[Saltbush Bill]

Those dark patches in the photo make me suspect a leak.

[ismbardbrunel123]

Just bought my second barrel.....Advice given, again... completely fill with very hot water, leave for 2 days.....drain, fill with likker...don't leave empty once drained of water...

[Saltbush Bill]

2 days seems very excessive.
My coopers instructions........fill barrel roughly 1/4 full with very hot but not boiling water. Replace bung and stand barrel on end......leave 20 -25 min.
After 25min turn barrel so other end is on the bottom.
After that it shouldnt be leaking...check for leaks if leaks are found repeat......if no leakes....remove water......fill with booze.
This method has never failed me to date.....Id be worried about the quality of any brand new barrel that took to days to become water tight.