Using a Wooden Barrel for the First Time...

[shawnboy101]

I have just purchased a 5 gallon white oak barrel from a micro-distillery in New York. This barrel is toasted American White Oak and has been used exactly one time. Does anyone know if I need to add toasted oak since this barrel has already been used? If not this time, will I need to add oak as the barrel ages? I have searched the forum for answers, but I have found somewhat conflicting results.
If someone has purchased and utilized a 1 time used barrel, I would really appreciate their input. In addition, I would appreciate any hints on aging time and anything else that I may have overlooked. This barrel was used for whiskey and will be used for whiskey be me.
Thanks in advance,
Shawnboy

[Dnderhead]

A used barrel can be used as is but will take longer to "flavor -color" than new . many of the scotch, irish,rums are aged in used barrels.
adding toasted wood will make it more like it originally was,it will age in "used" barrels but it will be lighter then in "new"
so it is your choice depending no what you make and what you want.

[rad14701]

You might also be able to find some information online regarding re-toasting the inside of the barrel using a propane torch... I seem to recall running across some information close to a year ago but it's doubtful that I saved a link on any of my computers... It may have even been a barrel site... Might or might not be worth the effort...

[Slow & Steady]

I have just purchased a 5 gallon white oak barrel from a micro-distillery in New York. This barrel is toasted American White Oak and has been used exactly one time.

If you can get more of these you might be able to market them. Brandy, Light Rum, Single Malt Whiskey are all traditionally aged in used barrels. I was looking for a used barrel just the other day and gave up due to lack of availability. Are these reasonably priced?

[shawnboy101]

Probably not reasonably priced. I'm paying $103 US delivered. It is a really nice barrel and I wanted it so I splurged a little. I hope to get a lot of use out of it. I plan to ask them about additional barrels. They also have 7 gallon. If you're interested, I can get you contact info....