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There is some curve but it's possible to sand without taking too much off the sides. It's how you run the tool. If you blindly just lay into the stave then, yes, you will take a bunch off the edges. There obviously some finesse required. It's like running a chainsaw. Some people can make...

You don't need a special tool. I did it successfully with stuff I already had. Read some articles on it. It's definitely not rocket science. https://www.morebeer.com/articles/Recooping_Barrel You need to number the staves and mark what head belongs to which end before you disassemble. Not...

Dang! What sizes?

Almost pulled the trigger on some more FWK today but i feel like its time to take a break from FWK and go a different route. Ended up spending more money and went with RJS en primeur amarone kits to fill my barrel. These are in the queue to be my third batch through the barrel. I really like...

fyi, something you want to be aware of... after looking closer (on my computer screen) it looks like you might have sanded down the edge of the croze on some areas (see pic). this will likely cause issue getting that head to seal. those grooves are critical areas and this might have caused...

I kicked around the idea of beeswax but ended on edible gulf wax. I purchased it but never ended up using it. In my mind, flour is more edible then any wax.

good question... i considered the same things when i first did it but i didn't think i was going to get the barrel to seal without it. definitely works great. i would try without first and maybe you will have better luck than me. i also did a complete disassemble on a 20 yo barrel that was...

Reassembly definitely helps with six hands. I recruited my kids to help hold the staves in place. It's not fun trying to do it yourself.

In my experience it's s easier to number the staves and totally disassemble. I also used a belt sander. It takes some time but not impossible. I went down to clean wood and toasted back myself. It worked well. When you reassemble yours, you will probably have better luck getting it to seal...

I guess I wrongfully assumed SG readings would be the same regardless of the container used as long as it was sufficiently deep. I don't normally use my test jar (pre and immediately post-fermentation), I just test in the bucket. I use a thief and jar before bottling to get a final SG. I...

That's a fast start! How do u like the wireless hydrometer? Are they accurate?

Thats how I feel everytime I look at an electric car- regardless of how fast they supposedly are. Edit: you're 1000% correct tho. Barrels are sexy. They have an unmistakable presence and air about them. Very rustic and authentic. They scream, "that's one badass winemaker". 😆

Trevor, on the starters you made, how long did you wait before you added must to the yeast/sugar mix? Sounds like the must addition really helped boost the starter.

For anyone wanting a barrel, I'd seriously consider buying a flextank instead. Less headache between batches. Easy to clean. Choose your oak option. Etc. If I ever decide to up my production, that is what I'll purchase.

Exactly what I'm doing. Its not expensive but it is a PITA to fill. As you said, barrels are a commitment!

The thing that sold me on barrels... that 2 month wine tasted SO much better than the top up tasted. I cannot imagine what 6 to 12 does for it. Looking forward.

Interesting. 🤔 I wonder if wine tends to pulls more from the barrel than a holding solution does. The holding solution that I dumped out was significantly less acidic than a wine. I know because I tasted it after adding citric acid. I assumed it would be stronger but it's actually pretty...

13 months... That is very close to how long the holding solution was in mine. Curious to know how long your wine has been in that barrel and your thoughts on how it tastes (oak wise).

here is my experience with a "newish" barrel... i re-cooped a 20+ yo 15 gallon french barrel and toasted it (medium). i put holding solution in it for just shy of a full year and then cleaned it with barrel oxyfresh and thoroughly rinsed. the first batch of wine barely made it 2 months before...

Awesome!!!! Good for you guys! Sounds like quite the adventure! I'll definitely be following your progress and love to know how your wines are coming along. Best of luck to you and Stephanie.