Hi. I used a fresh bourbon barrel for the first time earlier this year. The beer turned out great. When I emptied it, I rinsed it out with hot water, then with a mild starsan solution, then many times with hot water. I stored it upside down for several days, then bunged it and let it sit. It's now 4 months later and I want to use it again. How do I prep it? I have a sulfur "candle" (more like a strip of fabric) I was told to use. But I've read things saying I shouldn't use that for bourbon barrels; but presumably this is for the "first time" use of the barrel and still has bourbon in it. I also read I should do a 3 tsp/gal solution with baking soda and then neutralize it with a 1 tsp/gal citric acid solution. I don't have citric acid powder, not sure where I can get some. I was going to use the sulphur, but not sure how. I know to let the smoke in the barrel, but how long do I let it "soak" and how do I get the smoke out when I'm ready to use it? Alternatively, how 'bout if I buy some cheap bourbon or whiskey or something and slosh that around in it? Thoughts? Thanks a ton.
First, you need to make sure it holds water, so try filling it w water. Since its been sitting, moist + bunged, it probably has mold, etc. after its holding water, do some rinses with hot (~180F) water ...dont need to fill it Just bung and tip it all around. Then use some barrel kleen (google it) ...then, neutralize, rinse, etc etc Burning the sulfur stick wont cause an explosion since the spirits vapors are gone now. that smoke isnt safe to breath tho. Spirits to sanitize isnt as effective as the other methods.
You could also use vinegar to neutralize the baking soda.... which should cause it to foam until it has been neutralized. I have not done this myself but do not know why it would not work.
