How to Prepare & Cure a New Oak Barrel Before Use?

If liquor or wine is stored in new wooden barrels, its flavor gets even better. These barrels give a mild smell and another interesting flavor to the drink, making it even more flavorful. However, using new barrels straightaway is not recommended, as the additional tannins found in them tend to enhance bitterness and sometimes leakage issues too. Thus, it is essential to properly prepare new oak barrels. This not only lowers bitterness but also seals the barrel from the inside, providing your beverage with a great taste and quality. In this guide, we will let you know how to prepare new oak barrels, cure them accurately, and season them for improved results.

Why should a new oak barrel be prepared?

When a new oak barrel is constructed, it is totally dry. It must be cured well so that it functions properly and does not leak. Some of the main benefits are:

– Prevents leaks: Dry wood can shrink, creating small gaps that can cause the drink to drip out. Oak barrel curing allows the wood to swell and seal well.

– Removes unwanted flavors:  New barrels contain more tannins, which can make the drink taste bitter or acrid. Proper preparation reduces this effect.

– Increasing barrel age: Using the right methods from the beginning can help the barrel last longer and work better.

– Enhance the flavor: A well-prepared barrel helps the flavors of the drink to blend slowly, making it taste even better.

Preparing a New Barrel for Use

Before you begin the curing process, follow these basic preparation steps:

1. Inspect the Barrel

Take a close look at the barrel. Are there any cracks? Are the metal rings loose? A good barrel is strong, its wooden pieces are properly joined, and the rings are tightly fitted.

2. Rinse the Barrel

New oak barrels may contain sawdust or small wood particles. To clean:

• Fill the barrel with lukewarm water. Then swirl the water well to remove any dirt inside. Now pour out all the water.
• Repeat this 2-3 times to remove any small wood pieces or sawdust. If needed, you can use a mild and safe cleaner.

How to prepare a new oak barrel?

If you use a new barrel directly, it will not work properly. It has to be prepared first, so that it does not leak and the drink tastes good. Let’s understand this in simple language.

Step 1: Soaking the barrel with water

– Fill the barrel completely with hot water.

– Leave it in a cool and shady place for 1-2 days.

– See if water is dripping from anywhere. If yes, then soak it a little more so that the wood swells and becomes tight.

– When the leak stops, drain all the water.

Step 2: Drying the barrel

– After draining the water, keep it open for a few hours.

– Do not allow the interior to dry out completely, only keep it slightly wet so that the wood will not shrink.

Step 3: Seasoning Oak Barrels

If you wish to keep whiskey, wine or rum in a barrel, then you have to prepare it for the same first. That will seal the barrel from within and the liquid put inside it will taste better.

-Place some light drink or wine into the barrel.

-If you wish to place whiskey, then add some bourbon.

– If you wish to keep wine, then you may include light red or white wine.

– Stir it well and leave it like this for a few days.

– Then remove all the liquid.

– Some people put salt water in it for a day, so that the unwanted taste goes away.

Now your barrel is ready and you can easily store any drink in it!

More ways to prepare a barrel

If you want to slightly change the taste of a barrel, try these methods:

Light burning:  Lightly burning the inside of the barrel can give it sweeter scents, such as caramel and vanilla.

Adding charcoal:  Adding a little charcoal can make a new barrel taste less bitter.

Honey or sugar water:  Swirling lightly sweetened water around the inside of the barrel can add a little sweetness to the wood.

Maintaining Your Oak Barrel

If you treat the barrel well, it will be good for many years. You only have to keep a few tiny things in order.

1. Maintaining the barrel clean

– Wash it with hot water each time after use and dry it properly.

– Avoid using strong chemicals, otherwise the wood will get harmed.

– If you intend to put another new drink into it, you can steam-clean it.

2. Placing it in the appropriate location

– Store the barrel in a dry and slightly moist environment when not in use. 

– Let some water in it to ensure the wood remains moist.

– Place it on a stand or rack, such that it won’t receive moisture from the bottom.

3. Stopping the barrel from spoiling

– Never leave liquid inside the barrel for a long time, or it will get spoiled.

– Wash it with water and mild citric acid, if mold appears.

– In case the barrel has to remain empty for an extended period, you can maintain it clean and safe using a sulfur stick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite all the care, mistakes can happen. Keep these things in mind:

• Using the barrel without preparing it – it can leak and ruin the taste.
• Overfilling – leave some space to allow the liquid to expand.
• Using harsh chemicals – use only natural methods for cleaning, otherwise the wood can get damaged.
• Leaving the barrel in one position for a long time – If the barrel is not used, turn it now and then so that it doesn’t warp.

Conclusion

If one properly prepares a new oak barrel, it will serve you for a long time and be delicious. It prevents leakage and enhances the beverage. If you maintain the barrel well, you can keep liquor, wine or vinegar for years. So, go ahead and prepare the barrel and enjoy its wonderful taste!