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Does a new oak barrel have to be cleaned before first time use?
 Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
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I know you have to fill it with hot water to make it seal but do you have to run a cleaning solution through it before first time use?
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/5/2013(UTC)
Posts: 22
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I did not clean mine, rinsed it out a bunch, then let it sit with water for a couple days. Emptied it out, rinsed a final time and I took some of my 65% sugar shine I use for apple pie and cut it town to about 43% and put in the barrel. I have had it in for about 10 days now, did a sample yesterday and found it was starting to get a slightly dark color. I smelled and tasted and found a smokey flavor and scent. I don't know how it will turn out after about 2-3 more weeks but I think it will go good with some sprite or coke.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
Posts: 83
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Thank you sir. Mine are due to arrive tomorrow and I'm anxious to get them oakin'.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/11/2013(UTC)
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on my barrel it leaked of coarse but that was the best flavor i had to empty it out and soak it with water for a few days then i put it all back in and it taste good not as good after having to water the barrel down for the leaks
but is still good and goes good with coffee / cream and sugar
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2013(UTC)
Posts: 111
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When I bought a barrel it came with a sulfite powder to be added to water for sterilization before and between uses. I soaked mine under water filled of course for a few days, then refilled it with that solution for about 20 min, then flushed it with fresh water I had boiled so I knew it didn't have any kooty bugs in it. Might have been overkill, but it worked good.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
Posts: 83
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Yea, think I'm gonna fill it up with boiling water off the stove rather than hot tap water. That should kill all the cooties. FedEx ground is THE worst delivery service there is. My barrel has made 5 stops in Texas in the last 4 days. It was supposed to be here today but now they're saying Saturday. What a joke. 
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
Posts: 83
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THEY'RE HERE !!!!!!
They appear to be well made and have a pretty seal right out the packaging. I filled one with hot water and got a little dribble for a few seconds and then it stopped. I left it in the sink for an hour and it didn't leak anymore. The instructions say to leave it filled with water for 24 hours to complete the sealing process. I bought a 5 ltr and a 10 ltr. It will be interesting to see how the barrel stacks up to charred chips in a Mason jar.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2013(UTC)
Posts: 111
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Who is the supplier? I'm interested in knowing and did they char the inside and to what degree? Like char, medium toast or light toast.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
Posts: 83
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Got them from www.oakbarrelsltd.com Pieces of char came out when I ran water through it but to what degree they're charred but the pieces that came out were totally black. Might want to give them a call if it matters. I prefer a heavy char because it cuts down on the woodsy taste.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
Posts: 83
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Just noticed the fine print that says they're toasted medium to medium +.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2013(UTC)
Posts: 111
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I checked them out. Prices are good. Is the oak thick?
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/5/2013(UTC)
Posts: 22
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I used them for my 2 liter barrel, I've been happy so far. I'm thinking another week or 2 and I'll mix it with some sprite or coke and see how it taste. The good thing is I put my barrel on the conter top with my bar stuff and it looks really good up there.
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Rank: Junior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2012(UTC)
Posts: 83
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The thickness is in proportion to the size of the barrel. They're plenty solid. There's no spring to to tghe wood at all.
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Does a new oak barrel have to be cleaned before first time use?
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