Got my used bourbon barrel Friday, the distillery had pounded in the wood bung nice and tight so the barrel was still pretty air tight. I filled it with warm water and let it sit for 24 hours, no leaks. The water soak removed most of the bourbon smell so I’m hoping for a fairly neutral barrel now. The inside of the barrel must have a 1/4” of charcoal on the staves , quite a difference from a wine barrel.
Used my AIO PUMP to fill the barrel, sure makes it easy. I bottled the last 8 bottles from the carboys as vin nouveau, it’s the best vintage yet.
![IMG_3223.jpeg IMG_3223.jpeg](https://cdn2.imagearchive.com/winemakingtalk/data/attachments/103/103589-423e8c7d1e58c2362f293616d363de8a.jpg)
Used my AIO PUMP to fill the barrel, sure makes it easy. I bottled the last 8 bottles from the carboys as vin nouveau, it’s the best vintage yet.
![IMG_3223.jpeg IMG_3223.jpeg](https://cdn2.imagearchive.com/winemakingtalk/data/attachments/103/103589-423e8c7d1e58c2362f293616d363de8a.jpg)