Re Using An Oak Barrel after it's Had Port in it

[Whimpy64]

Hello Everyone..... It's been a while since I've been on here..... Had a few things going on in the last few months..... Hope everyone is well..... I have just recently purchased a 10 Litre Oak Barrel at auction.....

It was previously used to store Port. I checked it out before I bid lol.

My question to all my learned Distillers on here is What do I need to do to re -use this Oak Barrel to store Bourbon or Scotch in it from Now on?

Any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks in advance

Whimpy [b][/b]

[Capt-Cudellez]

It "probably" wont be water tight if it has been allowed to dry out. Put some water in it. Soak it from the outside with a hose (or in the shower depending how much you risk the wrath of SHMBO)

Do this until it stops leaking then it should be ready to fill. If you don't already have the 10L of hearts to put in it, leave it filled with water until you do.

Hopefully the barrel is still sound.
No idea what the port will do to the whisky, I've only heard it being used as a finishing barrel. Should be interesting, good luck.

[Whimpy64]

Thanks for that capt..... As always the knowledge that you have on this awsome hobby of ours is extensive as it is with all the members of this forum.... Have a great day and thanks for the info once again.

Whimpy

[Admiral Toad]

I've used both port and sherry to pre soak new 10L barrels with good results but suspect your well soaked one will really make the spirit go 'redish' and sweet

Might be worth getting putting plenty of jack Daniels BBQ chunks in there with it to help balance flavour

I would keep taking regular samples to see what's happening

Should be good I hope

[Whimpy64]

Thanks guys for the replies and the helpful hints and ideas..... I am happy to report that the barrel seems to be sound so far as Ive done as the capt suggested and gave it a good soaking with water and after 5hrs or so there are no leaks

Will keep you posted

I was thinking of filling it with the other half's stock supply of Canadian Club or my own Cherry Bourbon

Thanks again to all

Whimpy