I recently bought a 5 gallon bourbon barrel that was dumped at the end of December, and when I bought it a week ago it still smelled very fresh and strong of whiskey. I know you normally have to treat a barrel, but I'd rather not do that here as I do not want to dilute the whiskey and oak characteristics. I have a big stout that has been fermenting for almost a week now, so knowing that the barrel was dumped at the end of December am I good to put my stout right in with out treating?