I bought some whiskey barrel staves off of Amazon on a whim. I have not ever tried used oak or a used barrel before. I’ve always bought oak chunks or sticks from the home brew supply and used carboys for aging.
They have a slight vinegar smell. Is that just from being in the exposed to air or should I be worried?
Thanks
-Dat Cajun
Vinegar Smelling Whiskey Barrel Staves
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DatCajun
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still_stirrin
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Re: Vinegar Smelling Whiskey Barrel Staves
What if.....the staves came from a barrel that was used to age apple cider vinegar?
Bourbon barrels usually smell like whiskey. And wine barrels usually smell like wine. Rum barrels smell like a dark rum. But, sherry barrels sometimes smell like sour wine, or aged sherry.
Heck, maybe your nose is wrong?
Bourbon barrels usually smell like whiskey. And wine barrels usually smell like wine. Rum barrels smell like a dark rum. But, sherry barrels sometimes smell like sour wine, or aged sherry.
Heck, maybe your nose is wrong?
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NZChris
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Re: Vinegar Smelling Whiskey Barrel Staves
I'd be worried. I'd soak them, bake them, shave the inside, get rid of the vinegar smell, then char them. If that didn't work, I'd smoke meat with them.
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DatCajun
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Re: Vinegar Smelling Whiskey Barrel Staves
Here’s the company and the description off of Amazon. Guess I should have read a little closer. I just looked at the summary and snatched them up. I wonder if they were used for bourbon and THEN ACV?
They definitely smell like vinegar.
For context these are “20 Authentic Bourbon/Whiskey Barrel Staves (1.5" and Narrower)” off of Amazon from the company “Midwest Barrel Company.”
Description
Oak staves from authentic Kentucky bourbon and whiskey barrels. Perfect for your crafting, decorative, or organizational needs! Here is a set of 20 reclaimed bourbon barrel staves from the heart of Bourbon Country in Kentucky. Purchase a set of 20 staves and receive a few of each width. The whiskey staves are similar in size and shape to wine barrel staves, however they have a dark charred interior side, while the other side is more dark stained and rustic looking. Dimensions 35-37" long x 1 1/2" and smaller x 1" thick. **Please understand that you are purchasing staves from a USED barrel. They will be dirty and may have small imperfections. We do not clean or modify the staves in any way so that you may use them in your own way.** Dimensions are approximate as each wine and whiskey barrel is handmade. Visit our website for more details. THE STAVES WILL HAVE A SOUR / VINEGAR SMELL WHEN YOU RECEIVE THEM. ALL TO AIR OUT FOR A WEEK OR SO BEFORE USING INDOORS.
They definitely smell like vinegar.
For context these are “20 Authentic Bourbon/Whiskey Barrel Staves (1.5" and Narrower)” off of Amazon from the company “Midwest Barrel Company.”
Description
Oak staves from authentic Kentucky bourbon and whiskey barrels. Perfect for your crafting, decorative, or organizational needs! Here is a set of 20 reclaimed bourbon barrel staves from the heart of Bourbon Country in Kentucky. Purchase a set of 20 staves and receive a few of each width. The whiskey staves are similar in size and shape to wine barrel staves, however they have a dark charred interior side, while the other side is more dark stained and rustic looking. Dimensions 35-37" long x 1 1/2" and smaller x 1" thick. **Please understand that you are purchasing staves from a USED barrel. They will be dirty and may have small imperfections. We do not clean or modify the staves in any way so that you may use them in your own way.** Dimensions are approximate as each wine and whiskey barrel is handmade. Visit our website for more details. THE STAVES WILL HAVE A SOUR / VINEGAR SMELL WHEN YOU RECEIVE THEM. ALL TO AIR OUT FOR A WEEK OR SO BEFORE USING INDOORS.