oak barrels

You might want to consider refinished barrels, they are often "better" than new barrels.

Better? Never!

"better"? _Perhaps_ - from a QPR standpoint. (They _are_ cheaper.)

I've had my own experience with shaved (and retoasted) barrels. First off, shaving doesn't get you down to new wood. The previous wines penetrate a lot farther than you'd imagine. The best you'll do by shaving a barrel is get to _newer_ wood. Secondly, shaved barrels tend to leak - especially French barrels.

The one good thing I have to say about shaved barrels is that they are easier to handle in the winery because they're noticeably _lighter_ than a new barrel.

Tom S

Where are you located?

If you're willing to drive to Niagara, there's a place that has great prices on barrels. My friend and I bought a re-conditioned barrel as our first venture into barrels, and it was $160CAN. It's a 225L American oak barrel... anyway, that watson's place also has good deals on new barrels; French, Hungarian and American.

Anyway, just a thought... if it's close to you. BTW I don't work for Watson's I'm just a happy customer.

Here is my listing of barrel makers:

The Barrel Shop advertise used barrels. Or you can bite the bullet and get a real barrel at:

Or if you do not mind finish sanding your new barrel try:

If you have all the time in the world, you can always look for a new barrel on Ebay, there seem to be one auctioned off all the time.

So let us know what kind of wine your are going to bless this barrels with :-)

Laugh of the day:

are easier >to handle in the winery because they're noticeably _lighter_ than a new barrel.

Tom, what in the world are you talking about?

SG Brix

I thought that was pretty self explanatory, but to explain: When a barrel is shaved, about ¼ inch of wood is machined off the inner surface. The idea is to expose a fresh(er) oak surface to the wine that will eventually fill the barrel. The removal of the depleted oak lightens the barrel by nearly 20 pounds, making it easier to lift than a new barrel.

Now you tell me why that seemed funny. :^/ ???

Tom S