Barrel Maintenance: Unused barrels and used empty barrels

Storage of empty barrels is always problematic, particularly because of the possible growth of harmful acetobacter, and barrels may well be sheathed in plastic before being shipped long distances to minimize spoilage. Every month, empty barrels should be rinsed, carefully dried, and only then treated with sulfur dioxide, then bunged up. If they are not dried properly, there is a risk that sulfuric acid will be formed. Barrels so treated must be stored under the same conditions of low temperature and high, but not too high, humidity as full barrels.