Cure a Whiskey Barrel
Wood contains pores that absorb water. Before using a wooden barrel for your whiskey, you will need to cure it to prevent the wood from absorbing, leaking and spilling your liquor. Curing the whiskey barrel expands the wood, sealing it completely. Depending on the environmental conditions, curing can take up to two weeks. Plan ahead to have your barrels waiting on your whiskey rather than your whiskey waiting for the barrels to be ready. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Fill the whiskey barrel to the top with hot water.
2. Store the barrel on its side for up to two weeks to cure.
3. Check the water level in the barrel daily, adding more water to maintain a full level. When the water level stays the same after 24 hours, the wood has absorbed all it can and curing has finished.
4. Empty the water, fill three-quarters to completely full with whiskey. Seal and set on its side to age.
Tags: your whiskey, Cure Whiskey, Cure Whiskey Barrel, water level, whiskey barrel