Looking to possibly get some barrels for homebrewers' club up here. wine, bourbon, rum, apple brandy... anyone have any reliable sources?
If you are looking for larger barrels I don't have 1st hand experience, but I bought a used 10-gallon pinot noir barrel from my local homebrew shop, which also sells wine-making supplies. You have to strike when the iron is hot, though; they move in and out of such shops fast.
Check with your local liquor store. Sometimes distributors will get barrels from wineries, breweries, etc and let all of there accounts know. I called the wineries and distilleries directly and majority of them were willing to work with me if they had some.
Depending on how big you are looking for... http://www.farmhousebrewingsupply.com/used-liquor-oak-barrels-5-10-15-gallon/
Homebrewing.com just got 5 gallon whiskey barrels from balcones distilling, Waco TX. http://www.homebrewing.com/equipment/whiskey-barrel.php I use these barrels all the time and they go great with big beers like stout, porter, barleywine, etc.
I just got this email from Farmhouse Brewing: Get your barrel before they are gone! We only have 2 left!10 Gallon Whiskey (Charred), $150+shipping Please email us at [email protected] with a zip code and barrel request and we will get you a shipping quote.
I have one, and left a large stout in it for about 4 weeks on the first run, and I have PLENTY of oak, vanilla, toffee, caramel and bourbon notes in my beer. Very, very good. I suspect, the next batch through it, will take a couple weeks longer.
