French wine barrels... Why the discrepancy in price

[nicklausjames]

I was looking at french barrels for kicks and found a couple sites offer 13 gallon ones for over $600. I than looked at m and m wine and they are selling one for under $300. Any idea why there would be so much cheaper, it makes me skeptical?

Also the french is $50 more than the hungarian, in your opinion would it be worth the $50 for a french.

 

[JohnT]

I was looking at french barrels for kicks and found a couple sites offer 13 gallon ones for over $600. I than looked at m and m wine and they are selling one for under $300. Any idea why there would be so much cheaper, it makes me skeptical?

Also the french is $50 more than the hungarian, in your opinion would it be worth the $50 for a french.

I have used both French, American, and Hungarian and I actually prefer the Hungarian with a medium toast.

I have seen where the price of barrels do greatly differ from place to place. It seems to be a function of the size of the shop, how many barrels they sell, where the barrels are made, how much people are willing to pay, and the wood used. A French barrel made with French wood would cost differently than a barrel made in the USA using Hungarian wood.

 

[Tenbears]

It is a matter of what the market will bear, Ever been on ebay? There are people selling used equipment for more than the price of a new! And it sells, go figure>

 

[nicklausjames]

It just seems strange that one barrel would be twice as much and similar quality. How would the $600 one stay in business?

 

[salcoco]

Buy a Hungarian barrel from Vadai. best price around.

 

[nicklausjames]

I called vadai and they quoted the best price and the lady was very nice but the size I want is on back order right now.

 

[ibglowin]

So bulk age a while longer. They have the best bang for the buck product hands down.

 

[nicklausjames]

Actually they had 11 gallon in stock. I woulda preferred 13 but didn't want to wait.