American Oak Barrel with Brass Hoops- 10 Liter or 2.64 Gallons

This is the first barrel I've used, and it appears to be a nice barrel.Ships from Mexico.It is advertised as being varnished. What I got has evidence of having been varnished, but it's mostly bare wood. I'm not sure whether this is good or bad, as I prefer bare wood.When filled with water as per the instructions, it sealed after about two days. This is within the time frame that the instructions specify.The stand appears to have cut-outs on the bottom so that barrels can be stacked on top of each other. Since I only have one, it doesn't matter now, but if/when I get another, that might be nice.The small part of the top bung came wrapped in a foam layer. With the foam present, it was too large to fit in the bung hole. But with it removed, it doesn't fit snugly. I'm not sure whether I was supposed to force it in, or remove the foam. In any case, a wine stopper fits OK and is what I'll be using.

Holds 10 liters of Scotch but I never could get it to stop leaking. Make sure you fill it with water for a week so that the wood swells as much as it can before filing it with your favorite spirits. WARNING! Do not let it sit empty! The wood will shrink and the cooper rings will all fall down and the barrel will fall apart into staves. Trust me, I know. I had to reassemble it and then I submerged the entire barrel in a large tub of water where it is still soaking today. It swelled back up tighter than ever but I'm leaving it in the water until I have 10 liters of whisky to refill it.

I had to soak the barrel immersed in water over night to seal it. Once it sealed it hasn't leaked.

Filled it, rinsed it, filled it, sat for 2 days topped it off with more water. (Distilled). Sealed up well seems to give a well balanced, no aftertaste age.

The barrel is beautiful but I would prefer bare wood and no varnish.

I have 6 different barrels. This one is the best of all of them.

I have purchased three barrels all very good quality and would recommend them.

JUST AS COOL AS IT LOOKS AND DELIVERY WAS ON TIME