Shipping
Do you ship outside of the US?
Yes, we ship to Canada and other countries. Please contact us to make arrangements.
Do you ship individual Barrels?
Yes, we ship anywhere from one barrel to up to full truckload of barrels! In order to ship, we require the receiver to have a commercial address with access for a 53’ truck. The receiver will need to unload the barrels. Either a loading dock or a forklift is recommended. We can offer limited access service or a truck with a lift-gate for an additional charge. If you are nearby one of our locations, you can always pick up for free.
Barrel Care
What are the standard dimensions of the barrels?
Spirit barrels are typically 36” high by 26” wide (at the bilge)
Wine barrels are typically 40” high and 27” wide (at the bilge)
If my barrel leaks, do you have any tips?
Yes, we offer a maintenance guide that outlines steps to resolve leaks. You can also call or email us and we can help you resolve any issues.
I just received my shipment of barrels, do I have to swell them before use?
Although it is not necessarily required, we recommend swelling the barrels as a precaution; especially if they are not filled within a couple weeks from receipt. We recommend the following steps to swell our barrel:
- Completely soak the exterior of the barrel with water
- Stand the barrel upright and fill the head with water (on the outside). It should look like a bird bath. Check for any leaks and allow the water to rest for up to an hour
- Turn the barrel over to the other side and repeat the process.
- This method swells the barrel from the exterior and preserves any of the flavors inside the barrel.
How many times can I refill my barrel?
As many times as you’d like! As long as the barrel remains swelled with liquid, you can reuse it.
After 2-3 uses you will no longer get any flavor from the wine or spirit in the wood, but the barrel can still be used as a fermentation/aging vessel (great for sour beers).
Racks
Do you sell racks?
Yes, we are a distributor for Rack and Maintenance based out of Walla Walla, Washington.
What is the difference between a used rack and a refurbished rack?
Used racks are straight used barrel racks. Refurbished racks are used racks that were broken down. The faulty pieces are removed and the racks are re-welded and repainted. They practically look new!
What does 4" or 7" rack mean?
This is the measurement of the gap you will have between the barrel on the rack below and the barrel on the rack above it. 4” racks are great for spaces with lower ceilings where 7” racks will give you better access to the top of each barrel.
Rentals
I'm interested in renting barrels, is delivery available or do I need to make my own arrangements?
A minimum order of $800 is required for delivery and pick up. For all orders under $800, the customer is responsible for picking up and returning the barrels to our showroom.
Is a rental contract required?
Yes, we do require a fully executed rental agreement.
What is the process for picking up and returning rented barrels?
Barrels must be picked up from and returned to our showroom on the dates specified in the rental agreement. Payment is due in full at the time of pick up and we require a credit card to keep on file until the barrels are returned. The barrels weigh between 100-125 pounds each. Up to two barrels will fit into a standard SUV with the seats down. Our staff will help load and unload them at our showroom. The customer should designate a few people to help get them situated at their respective event venue.
What if I need to cancel?
Items may be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours prior to contracted pick-up date. Cancellation of any item within 48 hours of the contracted pick-up date will result in a 50% cancellation fee.
SWELLING:
WE HAVE FOUND THE FOLLOWING METHODS TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO SWELL AN OAK BARREL PRIOR TO FILLING:
1. HOT WATER METHOD
a. Fill the oak barrel with 1/10th its volume in hot water (175° - 180° Fahrenheit is ideal).
b. Insert the bung and roll the barrel back a forth so that the water comes in contact with all of the interior surfaces.
c. Next, stand the barrel on its end and fill the head area (on the outside of the barrel) with hot water and let stand for 15 minutes.
d. Repeat this step on the other end of the barrel.
e. Drain the barrel completely and allow to cool.
f. Fill the barrel with cool water to test for a proper seal. If the barrel seeps slightly, leave the water in the barrel until it seals itself.
2. COLD WATER SOAK METHOD 1
a. Fill the barrel 1/3 full of cold water and let it stand for 3 – 4 hours.
b. Next, fill the barrel to 2/3 full and let it stand for another 3 – 4 hours.
c. Finally, fill the barrel and keep it full until the barrel stops seeping and seals itself.
d. This process can take up to 2 – 5 days.
e. Once the barrel is sealed, release the bung and allow to drain completely.
3. COLD WATER SOAK METHOD 2
a. Fill the barrel 1/3 full of cold water and let stand on one head for 12 hours.
b. Flip barrel onto its opposite head and let stand for an additional 12 hours.
c. Empty the barrel.
d. Rinse out the barrel with fresh water and allow to drain completely.
4. STEAM METHOD
a. Using a steam generator, fill the barrel with steam at approximately 212° Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes or until hoops and staves are tight.
b. Allow the barrel to cool and fill with cold water and inspect for any leaks.
c. If the barrel seeps slightly, leave water in the barrel until it seals itself.
Note: Whichever method you use to swell your barrel, you should never leave the same water in the barrel for more than 2 days. If the soaking period exceeds 2 days, drain the barrel and refill it with fresh water. This is to prevent bacteria and microbes that may begin to form in your barrel.
REPAIRING LEAKS:
IF SWELLING THE BARREL DOES NOT COMPLETELY SEAL THE BARREL, SOME REPAIRS WILL NEED TO BE MADE. IF YOU FIND A LEAK, MARK THE AREA WITH CHALK SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON IT LATER. MAKE SURE EACH BARREL IS DRAINED AND DRY ON THE SURFACE BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE FOLLOWING SOLUTIONS.
1. PRODUCTS
a. Barrel Sealant or Wax - Melt directly and drip into the problem area. Alternatively, you can try and work the wax into the problem area by hand.
b. Paraffin Wax - This type of wax is commonly sold at grocery stores and craft stores. This wax is usually stiffer and flakier than barrel wax so always heat prior to application. Melt the wax directly and drip into the problem area.
c. DIY Pastes - The past is made by mixing a 1 to 4 ratio of distilled water and unbleached flour. The desired consistency is similar to a thick drywall paste. Work the paste into the problem area. Once applied, using a blow torch or heat source, lightly go over the mixture to cure and seal it in place.
d. Food Service Caulk/Sealant - There are many sealants that are designated as food grade and used on dishwashers, walk-in coolers, and salad bars. Look for 100% silicone compounds which are sold at most hardware stores. Apply silicone directly into the problem area.
e. Blowtorch - Depending on the sugar content of the product stored in your barrel, you can apply a blowtorch to small leaks. This caramelizes the sugars and seals the defect.
2. TECHNIQUES
a. Force it - Use a mallet or hammer to tap leaky staves or shift the hoops to tighten the barrel.
b. Barrel Wedges - Once the leak is identified, scrape the area around it to see exactly where the wet area/leak is. Using a chisel and a hammer, make an indentation into the leak. Hammer the wedge into the indentation until tight.