Vadai #4 was delivered about 10 days ago. This Barrel was ordered through Morewine and not straight through Vadai. This is the 2nd time in a row that I ordered through More and not Vadai. I had to wait for my "break in" Kit wine (CC LR Red Mountain Trio) to finish up and clear.
I started the barrel prep on Sunday morning. I did the usual boiling water on the outer heads for 20 min each first followed by the inner heads and then complete fill with hot water.
This barrel was bone dry without a damp spot or drop on the floor in less than 4 hours. Just flat out tight as a drum. Left it over night and got up early this AM and still no leaks or wetness anywhere on the outside of the barrel. Drained and refilled again with hot water this morning and checked it again when I went home for lunch today. Dry as bone.
I will fill it tonight as long as nothing changes between now and then. I only have two data points but both barrels that were ordered via Morewine were tight as a drum. The first two that I ordered direct from Vadai were leakers and needed quite a bit of work on them to get them to properly seal. Kinda thinking they just might pick the better Barrels for Morewine orders but like I said only two data points. Shipping was cheaper as well via Morewine to boot.
I will add my winery logo/ stenciling this afternoon on the ends!
I started the barrel prep on Sunday morning. I did the usual boiling water on the outer heads for 20 min each first followed by the inner heads and then complete fill with hot water.
This barrel was bone dry without a damp spot or drop on the floor in less than 4 hours. Just flat out tight as a drum. Left it over night and got up early this AM and still no leaks or wetness anywhere on the outside of the barrel. Drained and refilled again with hot water this morning and checked it again when I went home for lunch today. Dry as bone.
I will fill it tonight as long as nothing changes between now and then. I only have two data points but both barrels that were ordered via Morewine were tight as a drum. The first two that I ordered direct from Vadai were leakers and needed quite a bit of work on them to get them to properly seal. Kinda thinking they just might pick the better Barrels for Morewine orders but like I said only two data points. Shipping was cheaper as well via Morewine to boot.
I will add my winery logo/ stenciling this afternoon on the ends!