Used Oak Barrel

[amrmedic]

I just picked up a 5 gallon used oak barrel from Farmhouse brewing. I plan on aging my barleywine in it.

Ok, can anyone give me tips on using it? Do you have to sanitize it? Spray it down with Star San?

Also, do I need to put water in it first to swell it?

Any advice will be helpful

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

Here's a good source for barrel maintenance. Barrels are a lot of fun...but tons of work.

http://www.letsdowine.com/oakbarrelprep.html