Before First Use

Start With a Properly Cured Barrel

Cure your barrel so the oak can swell and form a tight seal. Begin soon after receiving it: an empty wooden barrel can dry out over time.

Quick Start

Six Steps to Prepare Your Barrel

Rinse the barrel three or four times to remove loose wood debris.

Install the spigot gently. Do not hammer it in with full force.

Fill the barrel completely with hot tap water. Boiling water is not necessary.

Insert the bung at about a 45-degree angle while twisting and pressing it into place.

Set the barrel in a sink or tub and watch for leaks as the wood swells.

When all leaks have sealed, empty the water and fill the barrel with your spirit or wine.

Setting Up Your Barrel

Spigot • Bung • Curing

Step One

Install the Spigot

  1. Place the barrel on its stand with the spigot hole near the bottom of the barrel head, closest to the table.
  2. Insert the spigot so the valve handle is on top and rotated toward the back in the closed position.
  3. Tap the spigot gently and firmly enough to create a seal. Do not drive it in with full force. It may not reach the ridge on the spigot; the wood should swell around it during curing.
Step Two

Insert the Bung

Place the bung into the bung hole at about a 45-degree angle. Twist and press it against the side of the hole as you insert it. This helps keep the gasket from being pushed up and off the bung.

Step Three

Cure the Barrel

The curing process allows the dry oak to absorb water, swell and form the tight seal needed before you begin aging.

Curing Instructions

  1. Rinse the barrel three or four times. Fill it, cover the openings, shake it, and empty it to remove loose debris.
  2. Place the barrel and stand in a sink or tub. The barrel and the surrounding area will get wet while the wood swells.
  3. Fill the barrel completely with hot tap water. Boiling water is not needed. Close it with the bung and let it sit.
  4. Check the leaks regularly. They should slow and stop as the oak swells. Depending on barrel size, sealing can take a few hours to several days. Barrels of 10 liters or larger may take about a week.
  5. When the barrel is fully sealed, empty the water. Your barrel is then ready for aging spirits or wine.
Natural Char Is Normal

Small pieces of char may remain inside after rinsing and curing. Strain spirits or wine when removing them from the barrel.

Important Barrel Care

Protect the Wood, Hoops & Seal

Once Wet, Always Wet

Do not allow a cured barrel to dry out. If the wood dries after curing, the barrel may not seal properly the next time it is filled.

Do Not Submerge the Barrel

Keep water inside the barrel during curing; do not soak the entire barrel. Submerging it can cause the metal hoops to bleed or rust and may darken or stain the exterior wood.

Short-Term Water Storage

  • If water will remain in the barrel for more than one week, use one Campden tablet per gallon of water to help prevent mold growth.
  • Do not store the barrel with water for more than about two weeks. Prolonged water storage can lead to mold or mildew.
  • For longer periods between uses, request the appropriate dry-storage instructions for your barrel.

If the Barrel Still Leaks

  1. Continue curing and monitor the barrel for up to seven days.
  2. If it is still leaking after seven days, contact Caribbean Gold Aged by Grace promptly.
  3. Include your order number and clear photos showing the leak location.

Using Barrel Wax

A small amount of barrel wax may help seal a persistent localized leak.

  1. Empty the barrel and dry only the affected exterior area.
  2. Wipe barrel wax onto the leaking area and press it into the pores of the wood.
  3. Wipe away excess wax with a clean cloth.
  4. Refill the barrel and check the repaired area for leaks.
Care for Your Barrel A properly prepared and cared-for oak barrel is ready to become part of your next batch, your next pour and your next story.

Need Help With Your Barrel?

If you have a question about setup, curing, care, or a persistent leak, Caribbean Gold Aged by Grace is here to help.

Caribbean Gold Aged by Grace

www.caribbeangoldagedbygrace.com
Debbie Grace  |  970-420-7828

Please include your order number and photos when requesting help with a leak.

Prepare It • Cure It • Age With Confidence

Caribbean Gold · Aged by Grace · USVI