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pipapat · 04-03-2010, 08:50 PM

I have a used wine barrel coming in the post.
I am unsure of its full condition.
But it has been retired from a winery and has no leaks.

What should i do to clean this and prep it for lambic brewing?
I plan on putting the bugs from wyeast and dregs from some commercial lambics in after it has been cleaned.

Any advice on keeping my new lambic barrel in good condition for years too come?

Oh and its a 15 gallon barrel.

sw341034 · 04-03-2010, 09:41 PM

Give it a few hot water soaks to remove tannin build up and let the wood swell to ensure no leaks. Then hit it with some room temp citric acid/ so2 mix water and let it soak for a few hours, drain and you should be good to go. Just don't let it dry out or else the wood could shrink and you would have a leaky barrel. Also probably the most important step would be to tell me where you got this barrel so I can buy one for myself!

pipapat · 04-03-2010, 10:18 PM

the barrel came from a friend who knows some backyard vintner in northern cali.

Lost Abby is selling barrels for 25$ plus shipping right now too.
They are full sized barrels though for bourbon and sherry.
35 gallon.

Aslo anything i should do for my bugs before i place them in their new home?
I.e. washing the barrel with a little wort?

sw341034 · 04-04-2010, 06:50 PM

As far as the bugs are concerned I would just toss them in with the wort after you brew. After your first batch through it it should be good to go with the next batch especially if you get your timing right..

pipapat · 04-04-2010, 09:13 PM

good too know. im looking forward too 2 springs from now when i can start in on a guzue.

ryane · 04-05-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pipapat

Lost Abby is selling barrels for 25$ plus shipping right now too.
They are full sized barrels though for bourbon and sherry.
35 gallon.

Did you have them ship one to you? If they did how much $$ was the shipping?

pipapat · 04-05-2010, 04:10 AM

mine came from a friend.
I left an inquiry with lost Abby to get a ball park shipping estimate.
I have not heard back yet.

But the 15.5 gallon was around 60 dollers shipping.
I have no clue about the shipping on a full spirit sized barrel.
So at least 120.00 before packing and the ups pick up fee.

But based on the prize of a new french barrel that cant be used for lambic right away, the price could be right.