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Author Topic: whiskey barrel drying out  (Read 7996 times)

Offline micsager

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whiskey barrel drying out
« on: May 22, 2014, 03:47:37 pm »
Well, looks like we won't be able to fill the barrels we are getting for 2 1/2 weeks after they have been dumped.  (Or "harvested" as the distiller says)

Anyway, we trying to think of a way to keep them from drying out.  The biggest problem is they will be unattended for the time frame as well.  (I've got this thing called NHC to go to)

Any advice?

Offline morticaixavier

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2014, 04:02:34 pm »
2.5 weeks is not too bad. wet them down on the outside really well before you go. make sure the bung is sealed. I think it will be okay.
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Offline jeffy

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2014, 04:08:54 pm »
Keep the barrel upright on end and let some water sit on the top to help keep it moist.  Keep a bung in it.  If you can wrap it with plastic, do so.  Usually they come from the distillery wrapped, which seals the moisture in pretty well.
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Offline micsager

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2014, 04:22:54 pm »
Thanks for the quick replies guys. 

We were thinking of putting them in a large bucket on end, and then ice blocks on the top.  They won't be wrapped as we are picking them direct form the distiller within hours of harvesting.  The distiller said the bungs he uses are tall enough to be removed with a hammer, and they will put the bung back in as soon as they are empty. 

I hope this works, as this could be a continuing source.  2, 32 gallon barrels every three months or so.  We have a stout that sells pretty good.  We intend to use that recipe. 

Offline Thirsty_Monk

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2014, 05:20:07 pm »
It takes some time till they dry out. You should be OK for NHC trip. Just keep them wet couple of days before you go.


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Offline 1vertical

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2014, 10:37:56 pm »
Get some bees wax and melt it all along the seams and joints....then wrap with plastic....
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Offline reverseapachemaster

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2014, 08:15:29 am »
Submerge it in concrete before you leave.
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Offline morticaixavier

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Re: whiskey barrel drying out
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2014, 08:32:34 am »
Get some bees wax and melt it all along the seams and joints....then wrap with plastic....

The bees wax thing seems to work pretty shook for reducing o2 uptake while ageing by way
"Creativity is the residue of wasted time"
-A Einstein

"errors are [...] the portals of discovery"
- J Joyce