Crack in whiskey barrel near bung hole

[ChzyMnky]

My awesome wife got me a used 5gal whiskey barrel for our anniversary (5yrs=wood). I was super excited to use it, but noticed it has a crack radiating out from the bung hole. It's about 0.75mm wide, 10mm long, and 3mm deep. Is the barrel useable? I'm concerned that the stopper won't be able to get a good seal due to the crack where it's trying to seal against the wood...

Thanks!

 

[seabass07]

So many innuendos.

 

[day_trippr]

This falls in the "Well, I have to hydrate the barrel anyway, so let's fill it up, bang in the bung, stand it up and see what happens" bin...

Cheers!
[edit] fwiw, I would have no problem filling that crack with epoxy first...

 

[greyghost]

Put the bung in then melt some bees wax in the crack. While it is still dry.

 

[ChzyMnky]

Thanks guys. Is there something I need to do to sanitize the area first?

 

[oldstyle69]

Thanks guys. Is there something I need to do to sanitize the area first?

not really. in the past ive always rinsed the barrel with what ever type of spirits were in it. you cant really sanitize wood, unless you set it on fire. or maybe you can, but i dont think its important.