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Author Topic: Fresh Barrel?  (Read 705 times)

Offline CVas

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Fresh Barrel?
« on: February 14, 2017, 12:58:42 pm »
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?
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Offline majorvices

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Re: Fresh Barrel?
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2017, 01:25:11 pm »
It may be perfectly fine. You'll know if it leaks as soon as you put beer in it. ;)

One thing you can do is fill a tub with water and let it soak a couple days. You won't know for sure if it leaks but you might swell the staves if they have dried out.