bourbon Barrels

[Ctayl9jq]

I have the opportunity to purchase 5 and 3 gallon barrels from my homebrew club at a discounted price and I had a few questions.

First off, what are the advantages to getting a 3 over a 5 or vice versa. I have heard you need to top off periodically when aging in the barrels because the barrel soaks up so much.

Second, I was thinking of getting a 5 gallon bourbon, and a 3 gallon rye whiskey barrel, however the 3 gallon rye has been sitting for over a year, however wrapped in plastic wrap.

Any thoughts?

 

[ImNoExpert]

I would think as long as they are still "wet", i.e. not dry and split or cracked, you'll be ok. I have also heard that people keep part of the batch of beer for "topping off" periodically.