How to Set Up Your New Oak Aging Barrel

Setting up your new oak aging barrel is pretty easy. First the barrel needs to be cured so the wood can swell and seal up any leaks. Storing and sealing your barrel are also addressed in this short video.

[@Raymond.Butler]

Just received my barrel and will be filling it in January.
I will be ordering another for my 70th birthday. Why start aging at 60 and 70? I was a paratrooper and had an accident. Shortly after my accident, my Dr. said I'd be in a wheelchair by 30, I was 22 at the time. I am bout 6 weeks from my 60th birthday and still on my feet, mostly. This is your answer for 60. Bout a year after my Dr. told me that, another Dr. Told me, by the time I'm 35, I'd be in so much pail, I'd beg to have my legs cut off. At 60, I double my time on my feet and at 70, I double my time with my legs. I can't spit in their eye, but I can celebrate shear determination. On my 60th, I will be filling my new barrel and at my wake, my people can celebrate one crazy little bastard, who would not quit. I am designing my wake to be one hell of a party, stop by and check how well your barrels did their aging job. Oh, I been talking to God for bout 60 years, he says I have till I'm 150. How do you think the shine I'm putting in, will taste in 90 years?

[@rustynutsnboltz]

Hello Steve thanks for rhe video. I have a new 3L barrell untested. Once i cure it i want to try vodka with a flavour. Im not making the alcohol as yet.
Do you have any suggestions for a first run? Is vodka a good idea?
Cheers mate.

[@christopherwilde5080]

Steve when I'm ready to cure the barrel, does it matter where I pour my hot water like in the spigot hole or on top in the bunghole?

[@TheKerstingm]

Do I need to leave a little head space when I fill my barrels,

[@credable7586]

After aging for 2 weeks, should you decant the liquor? Will it mess with the liquor to leave it in for an extended period? And how many times can I use the barrel?

[@nickgounaris5540]

Hi Steve, will a camden tablet get rid of existing mold in a 5 gallon barrel? or will it only prevent mold from growing?

[@zackstoner4523]

I have a question i have a 1 liter barrel with a spigot. If i turn the spigot nothing comes out, unless i remove the cork in the bung. Is that how it is supposed to be?

[@Jeffw82191]

Yes - This is normal. Imagine putting your thumb on top of a straw thats sitting in water. It doesn't flow out of the bottom unless you remove your thumb. Same concept.

[@beckysnell4397]

How. To make a large Real WINE Barrels shine ???

[@hunterivey]

Can you brew Kombucha in that barrel?

[@bobhelfrich6610]

I just received a new barrel, and the spigot was shipped in a baggie inside barrel. How do you get it out?

[@jckdnls9292]

Remove rings

[@waitersluvhjy66]

I did it myself. I used Stodoys woodworking plans for this.