How long can I store a used Bourbon Barrel empty

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by DaveBar, Dec 14, 2014.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. DaveBar

    DaveBar Initiate (0) Oct 21, 2013 Canada (ON)

    Just curious how long I can sit on a bourbon barrel that is sold from a bourbon manufacturer that is empty. They mentioned it was used for one cycle. I have access to a couple from a friend but cannot add any brew for many months to come.

    Part of me is guessing that I would lose a bit over a 6mth period of it sitting there empty sealed from the manufacturer but do not know. If the bourbon barrel is sealed when the bourbon is in it and all is well shouldn't the empty stay somewhat ok? With the bourbon being replaced by air this may change things.

    Thx in advance for any comments.
     
    #1 DaveBar, Dec 14, 2014
  2. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah

    Depends really.. mainly on the storage and whats in the air, and what touched the barrel inside after it was stored.

    The barrel will dry out, the staves and heads will start to separate and air will get in there. Wild yeast could be present that could foul the barrel for a clean beer.

    Chance are though, you can get the barrel, run some hot water through a could cycles, and add back some spirits to wet the barrel out and add back what you might have washed out. This will help wash the barrel, seal the staves and heads, and perhaps give it more life while you can put a beer in there.

    I've let a barrel sit for 2-3 months empty, but put hot water in it before and after, and made sure it stayed tight and sealed the whole time, from the bung, to the heads and the staves. Haven't had any issues, so far.
     
    #2 FATC1TY, Dec 14, 2014
  3. hoptualBrew

    hoptualBrew Initiate (0) May 29, 2011 Florida

    1,125 g Citric acid/bbl, 45 g Potassium metabisulfate/bbl will keep your barrel clean and free of wild yeast & bacteria while you wait to fill.
     
    #3 hoptualBrew, Dec 14, 2014
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.