Barrel storage solution

[berrycrush]

I need fill my barrel with storage solution between batches. Any suggestion how to make a storage solution? with citric acid and Kmeta I suppose? how much acid and kmeta to add?

 

[codeman]

I think if malolactic bacteria eat citric acid it produces vinegar.

 

[stickman]

You'll find several formulas floating around. I would use 15 grams citric acid and 8 grams kmeta for every 5 gallons of solution. Hopefully you don't have to hold the barrel this way for too long as you will lose valuable oak to the solution.

 

[ibglowin]

Any suggestion how to make a storage solution?

Take grape juice, add yeast, wait a few weeks and you have the perfect "storage solution"!

 

[stickman]

I like Mike's Idea!

 

[Boatboy24]

3TBS of KMeta per gallon of water is what I use for sanitizing. With the way SO2 levels drop in the barrel, you may need to add 1/8 tsp per month or so.

 

[JohnT]

I agree with glowin.. The absolute best storage solution for a barrel is wine.

 

[tmcfadden932]

I think if malolactic bacteria eat citric acid it produces vinegar.

A malo culture converts malic acid to lactic acid. It is acetobacter that converts alcohol to vinegar.

 

[sour_grapes]

A malo culture converts malic acid to lactic acid. It is acetobacter that converts alcohol to vinegar.

7 years is a long time on the internet!

But, anyway, @codeman was not wrong. MLB can, indeed, metabolize citric acid. And when it does, acetic acid is one of the byproducts.
Citric Acid

 

[Cap Puncher]

I use the recipe in the Morewine Barrel Care for a storage soln. I sub the citric acid in the barrel storage soln for tartaric acid. The pH comes out to be ~2.9, which give a lot of free SO2 to protect the barrel. Oak Barrel Care Guide | MoreWine