Oak barrels, 20L, top quality

About this barrel

The seller calls these 20L oak barrels top quality. New at $178.53, this one suits home winemakers, distillers and vinegar makers who are ready for a medium-size batch. Twenty liters fills a good-sized shelf without taking over the basement.

What can you age in a 20L oak barrel?

Red wine, apple brandy, whiskey and wine vinegar are all common choices. Pick one and use the barrel only for that.

• Quality claim: top quality is the seller's wording, so ask about stave thickness and what the hoops are made of.
• Inside finish: the listing doesn't say if it's charred or untoasted, so confirm.
• Swell it before use: water first, then spirits or wine.
• Storage: keep it somewhere cool and steady to reduce evaporation.

A practical step up from mini barrels if your hobby is growing.