So a buddy bought one too many 5 gallon oak barrels and has talked me into buying one from him - I will have to brew something to put into it, but how does one store the thing in the interim? Do I need to buy a handle of bourbon for storage purposes? It is a once used bourbon barrel from some commercial distillery I am being told…any thoughts?
Get a beer in it as quickly as you can. A strong beer. Until then keep the hogsheads (ends) wet. I got a newly used one from a distillery and kept it a month this way before putting a beer in it. I actually kept mine in a spare shower and would water it for 5 minutes once a week. Then I would turn it over on the other end the next week and repeat. A kiddie pool and a water hose could accomplish the same thing.
After the first beer was done aging in the barrel I did wash it out with hot water before putting the 2nd beer in. The whiskey character was greatly diminished after the second beer so for subsequent batches I have continued to wash the barrel out with hot water, but then I pour a 5th of whatever spirit I want to get flavor from (I have used bourbon, rye whiskey, and dark rum - considering port next) and let that soak in for a few days before adding a beer. So far it has help up pretty well. No drying out and no sour flavors.
Take a look through here:
http://www.1000oaksbarrel.com/index.php/en/faqs
They’re a barrel making company (cooper?) that pretty local to me that I just found out about. Some decent info on how to clean/store barrels. Hope it helps.
It should be fine for a month or more. Nothing will grow inside since it is saturated with whiskey at this point. Just keep it sealed and in a cool dry place. You could add a cup of water if you are worried about it drying out, but I doubt it would in a month.
Do you pour out the spirits or just add the beer on top?
If you pour it out, how much absorbs into the barrel?