Thanks for the detailed response. The idea of barrel aging is so interesting to me. I will continue my search, maybe I'll try to befriend some whiskey distillers.
Always good to talk with fellow fermenters!
Offer still stands if anyone is abandoning their barrels.
Are any winemakers living in Chicagoland getting rid of used barrels? I understand that the oak flavor imparted by the barrel will lose intensity over a few batches. I assume winemakers replace their barrels regularly.
I'm looking for around 5 or 10 gallon barrels for aging homebrewed beer...
