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Beer and Wine Making Supplies since 1995
5825 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
952-925-9854 - 888-449-2739
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  1. American Oak (4)
  2. French Oak (3)
  3. Cleaning & Accessories (15)
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  1. Barrel Mill (8)

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Category FAQs

FAQ-Oak Barrels

Question: What do I need to do to a brand new barrel to prepare it for use?
   Answer: A new barrel should be filled with water for a week or so before filling with wine, as a new barrel will often leak. The water will be absorbed by the wood, swell, and the leaking should stop. Bleach and other cleaners not specifically labeled for wood barrel cleaning shouldn’t be used to clean your barrel as it could remain in the wood and affect the wine you put in it....Click to Read full Answer


Question: General Barrel Information
   Answer: Don’t reuse a barrel in which wine has turned to vinegar; it’s impossible to get rid of the vinegar bacteria from the wood. Use the barrel as a planter in your yard. It’s generally not a good idea to mix wine types in a barrel, or white and red wine. You’ll taste the previous wine in the subsequent wine....Click to Read full Answer


Question: How do I care for my oak barrel?
   Answer: Empty unused barrels can usually be stored indefinitely. Once filled with wine, the barrels must either be always full or specially treated when emptied. To store a ten gallon barrel, use the following recipe: 1 tsp. citric acid, 1 tsp. sodium or potassium metabisulfite, and enough water to fill the barrel. Bung it tight until the next use. Considering the possible loss of tannin by leaching with the above conditioner, others do the following with their barrels when empty:...Click to Read full Answer


Question: Why bother with a barrel?
   Answer: Oak adds a compelling complexity to wine. You should make sure the kind of wine you want to make is well suited for oak, since it is more expensive and more work. For example, just about any high tannin red wine will benefit. Many whites such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc will benefit as well. However, Riesling should be left alone. Oak barrels also have an aesthetic quality that other materials can’t match. The Barrel Mill Premium Oak Barrels are made of smooth, premium Minnesota White Oak. Built by hand and toasted to perfection, we recommend these barrels for quality oak aging, and carry them in sizes ranging from 5 gallons all the way up to 30 gallons....Click to Read full Answer


Question: I’m not sure if I’m ready to spend the money on an oak barrel. What other methods are there for oaking?
   Answer: Thankfully, some math wiz that happened to enjoy making wine at home figured out that instead of using a wooden barrel to surround the wine, why not let the wine surround small pieces of oak? Thus, oak chips, cubes, staves, and powders were born. These products allow the home vintner to achieve the same great oak flavor we desire - without the huge, costly barrels. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Using Oak Spirals The highest quality form of (alternative) oaking, Oak Spirals are made of premium American and French Oak- no sapwood, no bark, no knots. The unique process distributes the flavor evenly and can fully flavor a barrel in as little as 6 weeks. Spirals can be added to old barrels or carboys. Use 2 sticks per 5 gallons for optimal oak flavor and character. What most commercial wineries and breweries use today, these spirals are highly recommended by Midwest....Click to Read full Answer

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Midwest Homebrewing Supplies
5825 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Phone: 1 (952) 925-9854
Toll Free: 1 (888) 449-BREW
Shipping Inquiries: 1 (888) 449-2739
Fax: 1 (952) 925-9867
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Midwest Supplies Home Beer and Wine Making
Midwest Supplies Home Beer and Wine Making
Midwest Supplies Home Beer and Wine Making
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