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I am preparing my second new barrel. Here is what I am planning to do..
Sanitizing:
- I made a strong k-meta solution with 5 tblsp k-meta / 1 gallon water. I added this into the barrel, coated the inside by moving/rolling the barrel.
- I then bunged the barrel and allowed the SO2 to do its job for 24 hours.
- I then drained the barrel.
Swelling:
- I then put 5 gallons of hot water inside the barrel, stood the barrel on end, and added a gallon of hot water to the barrel head. I did this so that both barrel heads would swell evenly. I did this to both sides of the barrel.
- I then drained the water from inside the barrel, added 3 tbsp. k-meta, and then filled the barrel with cold water.
** I plan on keeping the barrel filled with water for a week. I want to retard the amount of bitter oak that the wine might pick up.
Any tips, hints, or evaluations on what I am doing? Here is a picture. The barrel did not leak a single drop of water when I filled it.
Sanitizing:
- I made a strong k-meta solution with 5 tblsp k-meta / 1 gallon water. I added this into the barrel, coated the inside by moving/rolling the barrel.
- I then bunged the barrel and allowed the SO2 to do its job for 24 hours.
- I then drained the barrel.
Swelling:
- I then put 5 gallons of hot water inside the barrel, stood the barrel on end, and added a gallon of hot water to the barrel head. I did this so that both barrel heads would swell evenly. I did this to both sides of the barrel.
- I then drained the water from inside the barrel, added 3 tbsp. k-meta, and then filled the barrel with cold water.
** I plan on keeping the barrel filled with water for a week. I want to retard the amount of bitter oak that the wine might pick up.
Any tips, hints, or evaluations on what I am doing? Here is a picture. The barrel did not leak a single drop of water when I filled it.
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