OAK BARRELS 5 LITER FOR WHISKEY OR SPIRITS

About this barrel

A used 5 liter oak barrel for whiskey or spirits can be a good buy if you know what to look for. An independent eBay seller lists this one at $47.00. At 5 liters, it still ages small batches quickly.

How do you prepare a used 5 liter oak barrel?

A barrel that has sat empty can dry out and shrink. Fill it with water and give the staves time to swell. If it still leaks after a few days, contact the seller.

• Ask what was aged in it before, because past contents can flavor your next batch.
• Check the photos of the hoops, bung hole and tap area.
• The listing doesn't give a char level, so ask for details.
• Your purchase is covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.

For whiskey or rum, a second-hand barrel can still be a practical place to start.