Oak Barrel 1L/0.26gal for Whiskey or Spirits
Flask wood distillery whiskey / Barril de roble / Wood
flask for man men / whiskey barrel
How to Prepare a New Oak Barrel Before Use
After you have selected and purchased an oak barrel, it is not ready for immediate use. Using it without proper preparation will not only shorten its lifespan but also result in a lower quality beverage than you would like. Therefore, it is important to properly prepare your new oak barrel before using it.
Steps:
Fill the new barrel 90% full with clean, filtered room temperature water, close the cork, and leave for 3-4 hours.
Check the barrel for leaks by carefully inspecting the wood around the rings, then the bottom front and back. A slight leak is not critical, as this problem will be solved at the next stage when the wood swells.
Fill the barrel to the top with water, close it tightly, and move it to a room with room temperature. If there is a leak, add water every 12 hours until the leak stops. After 3 days, drain the water (it will be dirty brown or yellow), then add a new batch of clean water.
After 24 hours, drain the water again. Add 100-200 grams of boiling water to the barrel, close it tightly, and shake the barrel several times from side to side so that the boiling water washes the entire inner surface of the barrel. After 1 hour, fill it to the top with water and close it tightly.
After 24 hours, change the water again. Repeat the process of soaking the barrel (daily replacement of cold water) until the last water becomes clear without taste or smell.
If the barrel is intended for strong drinks (moonshine, cognac, whiskey, bourbon), the container is ready for use. In the case of wine, I recommend first aging a double-distilled distillate diluted to 18-20 degrees without a smell for 30-45 days.
Additional notes:
It is normal for the barrel to leak slightly at first. This is because the wood has not yet swelled. The leak will stop as the wood swells and seals the gaps.
The water used to soak the barrel should be clean and filtered. Do not use tap water, as it may contain chlorine or other chemicals that could damage the barrel.
The barrel should be stored in a cool, dark place with a humidity of 60-70%.
Do not store the barrel in direct sunlight or in a hot, dry environment. This could cause the wood to crack.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your new oak barrel is properly prepared and ready to use.