I am getting ready to empty my bourbon barrel for the second time. (1st was an Imperial Stout and second was an American Porter). Is it possible/ worth it to “recharge” the barrel by adding 2 handles of bourbon to the barrel to keep it sterile until my next use; Or is it time to let it go wild?
That’s your call. Don’t let it stay empty for too long.
Bourbon doesn’t prevent mold so your window for keeping the barrel empty, but wet is fairly short. For long-term storage, other options are better.
I have a formula for longer term storage using a Metabisulfite and Tataric Acid solution. I 'm not sure if adding bourbon back to the barrel would revitalize it for future bourbon barrel-esq flavor brews, or if after two uses it’s pretty much stripped of those qualities regardless of the addition of bourbon to the barrel.