how do you store your barrels?

[Ntense]

I do have some used empty wine barrels and I'm wondering if I should keep them dry, or fill them with something?

what do you think?

Also, I'm looking for more white oak barrels, if you know where I can buy some, let me know!

Thanks!

 

[twohands]

Store wet - dry lets them dry out and they'll start to leak. And lets microbes move in - I might use an alcohol or a sanitizer. YMMV

 

[summersolstice]

I usually keep mine full but I just emptied one and filled it with water with K-meta and citric acid.

 

[Ntense]

So keeping them full with water isn't a good idea...I'll use sanitizer.

 

[summersolstice]

You don't want to use plain water. All kinds of bacteria could grow there. Use the kmeta (I accidentally bought the cheaper sodium metabisulfite once and use it instead for sanitizing. It does the same thing) and citric acid blend but don't place your eyes and nose over the bung when you open it. Use at the rate of 2 tablespoons Potassium Metabisulfite powder and 1 tablespoon of citric acid per gallon of water.

 

[Ntense]

thanks for the precisions.

What's 'KMeta' by the way?

As for citric acid, where do you buy that?

thanks!

 

[vvolf27]

k-meta = Potassium Metabisulfite http://www.finevinewines.com/Home-Wine-Making-Sulfites.asp

citric acid http://www.finevinewines.com/Home-Wine-Making-Acids.asp

 

[Ntense]

Great, I already have Potassium Metabisulfite at home. I'll buy some citric acid.

thanks!