Oak barrels are beautiful, functional, and natural — and like anything made from real wood, they need proper care to last.
Whether your barrel is brand new, actively aging a product, or sitting empty between uses, proper storage prevents leaks, cracks, and mold.
Why Storage Matters
An oak barrel is made from natural wood, which reacts constantly to its environment:
Heat, airflow, or sunlight can dry the staves and cause cracks or loose joints.
Excess moisture can lead to swelling, mold, or souring.
If water is left inside for more than a few days (up to one week), microbial growth may begin.
Storage should always match your situation — new, filled, or in-between.
If the Barrel is New and Unused
The best approach is to use your barrel soon after purchase. But if you need to store it:
Do:
Keep it in its original plastic wrap and box.
Store in a cool, dark place (10–15°C / 50–59°F with 60–75% humidity).
Protect from sunlight, heaters, and drafts, which can dry the wood and loosen the joints.
Don’t:
Don’t remove the packaging until you are ready to use the barrel.
Don’t store it in a dry attic, garage, or near radiators.
When you are ready to use the barrel, inspect all parts — staves, hoops, bung hole, and tap — and then follow the preparation process.
If the Barrel is Filled (Actively in Use)
When aging wine, spirits, vinegar, or other liquids:
Do:
Store in a cool, shaded space with stable conditions (10–15°C / 50–59°F, 60–75% humidity).
Keep the bung sealed but not over-tightened.
Check regularly for leaks or evaporation.
For wine: top up regularly to maintain a full barrel.
For spirits: monitor the “angel’s share” and refill if needed.
Don’t:
Don’t expose the barrel to direct sunlight or fluctuating high heat.
Don’t store in very dry conditions — low humidity shrinks staves and creates gaps.
If the Barrel is Empty Between Uses
Proper storage of an empty barrel is essential for its longevity. The main goal is to prevent the wood from drying out (which causes leaks) and to avoid mold growth. The choice of method depends on how long the barrel will remain unused.
Short-Term Storage (up to 1 week)
Suitable if the barrel will be refilled within a few days.
– Rinse the barrel with clean water to remove beverage residues.
– For deeper cleaning, use a baking soda solution (2 tablespoons per 10 L water), then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
– Drain completely — do not leave standing water inside, as stagnant moisture encourages mold growth.
– Close with a clean bung, but do not over-tighten — allow minimal air exchange.
Long-Term Storage:
Wet Method
– Fill the barrel with a storage solution. The easiest option is to use special barrel storage tablets, which already contain the optimal mix of potassium metabisulfite and citric acid. Simply dissolve the tablets in water as directed and fill the barrel completely, ensuring no air pockets remain.
– The tablets prevent microbial growth and mold while keeping the wood swollen.
– Close with a bung and store in a cool, dark place.
– Check every 1–3 months and top up or replace the solution as needed.
Alcohol Method
This method is suitable only for barrels intended for spirits (not for wine or beer).
– Pour in 10–15% of the barrel’s volume with a strong spirit (40–50% ABV).
– Seal with a bung.
– The alcohol prevents microbial growth and keeps the staves from drying out.
⚠️ Important: alcohol evaporates quickly, so you must check every 2–3 weeks and maintain the liquid level.
Dry Method
This option avoids chemicals but carries significant risks. Wood shrinkage is unavoidable, and the barrel will require extensive rehydration before reuse.
– After emptying, rinse thoroughly; for deeper cleaning, use a baking soda solution, then rinse with clean water.
– Dry completely in a well-ventilated space.
– Store in a cool, dark area with airflow.
⚠️ Do not seal the barrel in plastic: even minimal trapped moisture will cause mold.
⚠️ Not recommended if the barrel will remain empty for more than 2–3 months, as excessive drying may make it difficult or impossible to restore full tightness.
⚠️ Rehydration after dry storage may take several days and require a hot water soak to make the barrel watertight again.
Key Tips
– Always clean the barrel thoroughly before storage.
– Label barrels with the last use date and contents.
– Rehydrate any dry-stored barrel before reuse; a hot water soak may be required.
– Regularly inspect barrels for cracks or loose hoops.