Hi all, I'm looking to get a barrel to age an imperial stout in, and came across this: http://brewstock.enstore.com/item/5-gallon-used-whiskey-barrel I think it looks legit, but my brewing partner would rather get one from a local distillery, since we know where it came from and can make sure it's been properly taken care of. The problem is that we called the only distillery anywhere near us, and they said they aren't able to get rid of any of their barrels yet, and they referred us to their supplier, who is twice as expensive as the link posted above. Is there any risk in going with the brewstock barrel, or are we imagining problems that really don't exist?
its a bit pricey but if you can have the option of return in case it leaks after you swell it, id say pull the trigger.
Many in my club have used the Balcones barrels, and have made some good BA beer with those. The price is pretty standard for a 5 gallon. Shipping may be the thing to evaluate. http://www.homebrewing.org/Used-5-gallon-whiskey-barrel_p_2187.html
Ive got a coupe of the balcones barrels, the last one still had a tiny bit of booze in it that I was able to pour out!! The one in teh Op's link looks like it may be the same thing, just different hb store??
Yes, that's the same Balcones that hopfenunmaltz was talking about. If you click one of the smaller pics you can see the side and the name. Many here have used them with no big issues. I had one the was empty and I added some vodka to it. It leaked over night but swelled up tight.
The OP may want to see if he can get a barrel that has had the Product of his choice. They make a variety of whiskeys. I had expanded the small pictures in the original, yep, Balcones. Edit - filling with hot water will also help swell the wood and close out the leaks. I have 2 barrels that were bought unused (French oak for lambics/sours), and those leaked like a sieve for several hours.
