How many times can a bourbon barrel be used?

[BeerRunner]

Is 3 (total) OK? My brother and I want to make a bourbon barrel mead. I'm wondering if filling it up with a stout after that would be worthwhile.

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

It's fine as long as you clean it properly between uses.

 

[Tinga]

are you asking how many times it can be used till it loses the flavor? Barrel can be used to make great sour beers after they lose their flavor. the microbes live in the wood and when you pour the wort in there you don't have to pitch anything and the microbes live on.

If you're into sour beers.....

 

[BeerRunner]

I'll drink a sour beer now and then, but I don't want to brew 50+ gallons of it. I'm wondering if the oak will contribute anything to a beer after it has aged bourbon and a mead.

 

[redm18]

Probably still some flavor if your really worried it won't be enough throw in oak cubes or chips