Reuse of oak barrel

[srs787]

This 5 gal. barrel was last used 10 years ago. It was used for wine 6 times. Cutting it in half and using it as planters might be the best idea. Or using the staves for flavors and aging spirits. But the price of these barrels makes me want to put in back in use somehow. Anyones ideas would be helpful. Thanks srs787

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

This 5 gal. barrel was last used 10 years ago. It was used for wine 6 times. Cutting it in half and using it as planters might be the best idea. Or using the staves for flavors and aging spirits. But the price of these barrels makes me want to put in back in use somehow. Anyones ideas would be helpful. Thanks srs787

You were almost there, just didn't look far enough down ... 16 post, to be exact

If you're handy
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =4&t=52710

If not, staves will be awesome for toasting, re charring, cutting, and using in glass to age.

Don't dare waste it on planters.

[srs787]

Thanks ShineonCD. I read the post, but I was hoping to help the barrel but not take it apart. I would have problems putting it back together without leaks. Thanks

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

Thanks ShineonCD. I read the post, but I was hoping to help the barrel but not take it apart. I would have problems putting it back together without leaks. Thanks

Then just cut a larger bunge hole in it, so that you can drop pieces of your own toasted and charred oak in it. The barrel will still provide the airing the spirits need, and you will have fresh oak flavoring the spirits.

Reuse indefinitely

[srs787]

Thanks again ShineonCD. I will put the barrel through the cleaning steps I did about 15 years ago. Fill it full with water and hoping for no leaks. Adding the toasted or charred oak chunks to the barrel for aging of spirits is much better than trying to re char said barrel. srs787

[varocketry]

I haven't found a discussion of techniques to stop leaks in oak barrels. Did I miss a good one?

I let my Balcones 5.3 gal barrel dry out after aging a batch of UJSSM for four months. Somehow didn't connect to the thought of pouring out a drinking quantity and leave the rest alone to continue to age on the oak. Duh...

Filled the dry barrel up today with hot water and it leaks in several places. Best case it seals up as the barrel swells back up.

But if it doesn't fully ....... what are the right steps to effectively seal it. The distilleries use thin wedge of oaks but I don't have those.