My son got an oak barrel that has burnt into one end - Vincent Arrayo Winery. On the other, it says World Cooperage Co. with a picture of a barrel with the letters ICS across the middle and then says American Oak. I believe its a 60 gallon unit.
He brought it to me in last winter and I stored it in a cool spot in the garage. About a month ago, we decided to rinse it feeling it would dry out. Before the rinse, the barrel smelled of wine. When we rinsed it, the residue appeared to be from red wine. At the winery, it was fully rinsed with hot water.
I filled it with water and put a silicone bung in it and it has sat for
2 weeks like that. Today, I removed the bung and the smell of rotten eggs was strong. I drained it, rinsed it and then sniffed the barrel again. This time I can still smell wine through some of the sulphur smell.Have I mortally wounded the barrel? I think I want to get some sulphur to burn, but not sure to get sticks, wicks or disks. Also, with burning sulphur disks they recommend a holder, but haven't been able to see any pictures to build my own holder,or ads for them.
Any ideas and maybe where I can find how to really use the sulphur would be appreciated.
TIA, George