Storing the Barrel

If you do not plan to use the barrel for a period of time, clean out the barrel and store with water. Be sure to flush the water once a month to keep the barrel clean. This will ensure the barrel does not dry out.

I totally forgot to tell you that if you are storing with water be sure to use our campden tablets in the water to keep mold and bacteria from growing inside the barrel.

Your barrel should never be empty. If you do forget to store your barrel with water, you should re-cure the barrel. If the barrel doesn't stop leaking, then you should submerge it in water for several days. If the leaking still doesn't stop, then you can cut your barrel in half, glue the staves together, add a chain to either side in order to make a hanging flower pot, and then buy a new oak aging barrel for your spirits and wine.