If you obtain a barrel that it's age is unknown, I've read about using 170 deg water, filling the keg and waiting 30 minutes to check for leaks as well as re-hydrate the barrel. I heard your comment about not rinsing the barrel with water or it will pull out the bourbon flavor. I understand that if it is a fresh barrel. If I did rinse and sanitize the barrel with water, could I re-introduce bourbon back into the barrel (think small 5-10 liter barrels) to impart the bourbon flavor back into the wood?
If you don't the cask's age but it looks fine, what you suggested is an ok way to rehydrate it to the point where you know it won't leak. Just be aware that water=oxygen so you may end up with off flavors. Obviously you can only use the tools available to you, so if you can't find a better barrel and you are willing to take a risk on an older one, go for it!
That video was amazing, thanks for the great content!!!
I dont live in the oc anymore but watching this vid takes me back! Brew on!
Nice video. Thanks for spreading the knowledge 👍
Great video. Subbed ☮️
Great video mate, any advice on sanitizing a barrel before filling. Would 90c hot water get the the job done? Cheers
If you obtain a barrel that it's age is unknown, I've read about using 170 deg water, filling the keg and waiting 30 minutes to check for leaks as well as re-hydrate the barrel. I heard your comment about not rinsing the barrel with water or it will pull out the bourbon flavor. I understand that if it is a fresh barrel. If I did rinse and sanitize the barrel with water, could I re-introduce bourbon back into the barrel (think small 5-10 liter barrels) to impart the bourbon flavor back into the wood?
If you don't the cask's age but it looks fine, what you suggested is an ok way to rehydrate it to the point where you know it won't leak. Just be aware that water=oxygen so you may end up with off flavors. Obviously you can only use the tools available to you, so if you can't find a better barrel and you are willing to take a risk on an older one, go for it!
do you refermentation in the bottle after aged in barrel ?
I do not. I have the equipment to carbonate the beer before packaging, so there is no need to referment inside the bottle.
Why use isopropyl to sanitize? Wouldn't it impart off flavors?
a little bit sprayed won't especially given that much of it will evaporate off.
In most commercial settings it is not ok to add spirits to a barrel.
That's the beauty of homebrewing.