Oak Barrels?

[Bill Berry]

I've been looking to bulk age my elderberry wine in larger containers than the 1 Gallon demi-johns I use at the moment. I use carboys for secondary fermentation but don't like hauling them down to the garage for aging (it's too far and the ground is really uneven).

I found this site on the net:

http://www.oak-barrel.com/barrels_an...er_barrels.htm

and wondered if anyone had used these barrels. It seems they are not toasted is this a problem?

I also found these barrels which look nicer and come toasted but they are well out of my price range at the moment.

http://www.woodbarrels.co.uk/shop/ca...k_Wine_Barrels

Could I go for the cheap ones or just keep saving for the more expensive type?

The other option I have been considering is using stainless steel containers but they seems even more expensive. I'm looking to store wine in 20-50l containers.

Comments and/or suggestions for other suppliers or options gratefully received.

Cheers.

BB.

[lockwood1956]

How about 54 litre or even 34 litre glass demijohns, thats what i use, they are difficult to move on your own when full though

I rack under vacuum using my enolmatic....makes life easy

[NorthernWiner]

If you have the option to use toasted vs. untoasted, I would definitely recommend the toasted barrels. I have 3 barrels myself, 50, 40, and 30 liters. The larger two are French oak and the smaller is American. They all impart slightly different flavor. American oak has more of a vanilla flavor and French oak is more caramel.

My opinion that you get what you pay for. The 40 liter French barrel I have was a budget model. It's never completely stopped leaking from the first time I used it. Not a big leak, but just sort of seeping through the pores of the wood. This has caused it to turn pink.

I've been very happy with the other two.

A barrel is a long term investment, so when you consider that you will be using it for many years to come, the price is not as prohibitive as one would think.

[Cellar_Rat]

Large glass carboys are the way to go. A vacuum pump is nice - a caravan 12v whale pump is £10.

Sorted.

I have pictures if you need, just ask.