How to properly store oak barrels

Empty oak barrels should be properly preserved, otherwise they may dry out. Therefore, their owners should carefully study the recommendations from experts regarding the storage of such important and not very cheap containers.

General rules for storing barrels

Barrels from different products have differences in terms of storage.

From cognac

Once the cognac runs out, an empty barrel can quickly crack. This is how alcohol affects wood: it draws most of the nutrients out of it and it becomes depleted. An oak barrel can remain without alcohol for no longer than one day. After this, it must be immediately filled with cognac. Barrels that contained pickles are also processed.

From wine

An empty barrel of a wine product can last for some time in good condition if it is processed correctly (this process is necessary in order to prevent the formation of fungi in the container; if this is not done, the wine in such a barrel will sour):

• first, the container must be rinsed with cold water to get rid of sediment;
• Tartar can be removed with a hot solution of soda ash (2%; 200 grams per 10 liters of water); they need to fill the container halfway and thoroughly rinse the sides (by rolling the barrel, thanks to this action, the solution rinses its sides);
• Having washed the container, you need to rinse it in order to completely get rid of the soda;
• the next process is rinsing with cold water;
• after this the barrel must dry; all plugs and taps should be opened, and then turned upside down;
• a dry barrel must be fumigated with sulfur; in order for the gas to be retained inside, all holes must be plugged with plugs or “gags” made of clean fabric. For fumigation there is a special device - a cigarette butt.

It is better to entrust such a process to a specialist, since incorrect actions can harm your health. After fumigation, the container should be stored in a cool place with a humidity of 75% and good ventilation. If it is not possible to create the right conditions for preserving the barrel, then it can be filled with water with preservatives. During storage, containers should not be left on bare ground; it is better to make a bedding from wooden blocks.

Storing a new oak barrel

Until the moment of use, the container must remain wrapped in polyethylene. It does not allow the “native” humidity to evaporate, and liquid from outside cannot get inside.

Experienced housewives assure that a slightly cracked barrel can be revived if you fill it with plain water and wait a few days. During this time, the planks will swell and press back against each other.

See the video “How to store an empty barrel so that it doesn’t dry out?”: