Curing Your Barrel (First Use)

New barrels must be cured before their first fill. Curing allows the wood to swell naturally, sealing small gaps between staves and preventing leaks.

Curing Steps:

  1. Rinse the barrel with cool water.
  2. Fill one-third full and rotate to wet all surfaces.
  3. Fill completely and insert the bung.
  4. Allow the barrel to sit until leaking stops.
  5. Drain fully and fill with your spirit or cocktail.

Minor leaking during curing is normal. Persistent leaks after 72 hours should be reported to support.

Storing Your Barrel Between Batches

Barrels should never be allowed to dry out completely. Dry wood shrinks and will cause leaks to return.

For short storage periods, rinse and keep the barrel slightly moist.

For long-term storage, a holding solution is recommended to prevent microbial growth.

Store barrels in a cool, stable environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • After each batch, rinse thoroughly with warm water until runoff is clear. Avoid detergents or soaps.
  • Sanitize barrels if they develop musty odors or after extended storage.
  • Taste regularly during aging. Small barrels work fast—timing is critical to prevent bitterness.
  • Proper care allows barrels to be reused multiple times, with evolving character each fill.