Molded barrel?

[Glock19Fan]

Hello.

I have a 5 gallon charred white American oak barrel that I recently aged rum in. However, I have started to notice mold in various spots on the barrel.

Also, the metal rings seem a little loose, like it is about to fall apart.

The barrel was made new by Gibbs. Is this normal? Is the barrel still useful for another batch? What about the mold?

Thanks!

[Dnderhead]

they have stuff to clean barrols if the mold is inside. once a barrel is filed keep it filed. you can try to save it by driving down the
hoops, then filling with water, mite need to use a hose to keep it filed.

[Glock19Fan]

Am I supposed to keep it full of water until I decide to use it? Where could I purchase the cleaner for this?

Thanks!

[Dnderhead]

most home brew shops, they also use sulphur, and yes once filled you keep it filed even if with water.most when makig wine etc. have another batch
ready to fill the barrel with as soon as they bottle.(corny kegs work good for storage)the resoaking mite take weeks.