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How to cure a wood barrel

Mar 20, 2019

 
Wood is a natural product that can change under certain conditions (temperature, humidity, sunshine …)

A new barrel or that has been stored dry needs a period of “swelling” with water to seal the fillings / leaks and stop pouring. This prior process of preparing the drum for its use is called the heat of the drum.

To do this, you have to do your “CURE”, which goes through 2 operations:

1. Apply and repair the faucet:

1.1 Align the valve in the correct position, in the center of the front of the cylinder, with the outlet facing down.
1.2 Push it forward in the direction of the hole in the barrel, trying to place it as far as possible.
1.3 To increase its insertion and improve its fixation in the barrel, you can hit a hammer slightly and slowly, at most 3 times, to avoid splitting the entrance.
1.4 Turn the faucet knob to the closed position.

2. Heal the barrel – to “eliminate leaks”:

This procedure essentially consists of filling the barrel with cold water to be absorbed by the wood, which “returns” it and eliminates leaks:

2.1 Fill the drum 1/3 full with cold water and let stand for 3-4 hours.

2.2 Then raise the level to 2/3 and let it sit for 3-4 hours.

2.3 Finally, fill the cask close to the mouth and leave it full until the cask stops pouring and see all the fries.

2.4 Note that even when the barrel has stopped pouring, it must be kept filled with water without any leaks for 24 hours!

2.5 Then empty the barrel by passing it through the filling hole and not through the faucet by turning it over.

2.6 Allow the barrel to dry naturally for 2-3 hours, then fill it with the desired beverage.

In items 2.1 to 2.3, when water leaks from the drum, you can and should wipe the remaining water in the “puddle” / volume (eg at the drum head in the area below the valve). , eliminating excess water that can accumulate. At the same time, you can grasp and use the same wet cloth with the water removed and pass with it on the front of the barrel’s head, moistening the wood evenly, “whole”, avoiding stains and by accelerating its “swelling”. “.

This process is fundamental for a good operation of the barrel, takes on average 2 days and can last up to 5 days, do not hurry!

* One important thing is that you should never leave the same water inside the barrel for more than 2 days. If the rest period with water exceeds 2 days, you must empty it and refill it with fresh water. This prevents bacteria and microbes from starting to grow in the drum.