1 Gallon Oak Aging Barrel Dispenser (5 Liter) with Chalkboard Front, Wood Stand, Bung & Spigot - Charred Mini Bourbon Whiskey Barrels For The Home Brewer, Distiller, Wine Maker, Cocktail Aging

I was honestly a little worried about ordering this items after reading reviews but thought I would give it a try.I even purchased from another seller some barrel wax to seal it if it wouldn’t seal correctly.When I received the barrel I first read the directions. And if you know a engineer we never do that.First thing I noticed was what they tell you to do here on there amazon page and what peoplewere complaining about and are doing don’t match the directions the barrel comes with.Does the barrel leak when you fill it with water the first time, absolutely.The barrel needs to seal its self and the barrel needs to soak up the water into the barrel walls which is a lot better then your booze.The first 24 hours it leaked around a teaspoon and I filled it back up with just over 1 1/2 oz of water.At 48 hours it was still leaking a little but not as much around 1/4 teaspoon spot under the barrel.Refilled the barrel with water adding just over 1.5 oz.Now on 72 hour mark, it’s still leaks or was and it seemed sealed the bottom is mostly dry. Had a water spot the size of a pea under it.Added 1/2oz of water and closed it back up.Day 4 and 5 no leaks, just added a little water on day 4 to make sure it was 100% full.Day 6, I empty the barrel of water out and let drain for an hour and then filled it with my trial run booze.It’s now been a week with no leaks, I can already can tell the liquor inside is already changing and am looking forward to checking it each week.So this reviews is for Engineers and those that don’t follow directions … LOLThe directions say to fill with water and let seat for 4-5 days to fully seal your barrel NOT 4-6 hours or over night or 24 hours.Also the barrel soaked up almost 4 oz of water over 4 days. Be sure to keep it filled so your booze isn’t what’s being soaked up.Good Luck and Cheers!

This recent purchase had one damaged part - the bung cork. The wrapping around it was damaged so it doesn't seal well. Don't think I should have to pay for a replacement.The barrel itself is not damaged and required a little sealing wax to plug a small leak but this is to be expected. Overall, quality of barrel is good as well as the spigot. From my previous purchase the aging of spirits turned out quite nice with good flavor.Update: Seller responded within 24 hrs to a part replacement aka new bunghole plug. Barrel is good quality for size and ages/flavors spirits well.

Bought 2 of these they are working great. Valve leaks on one of them. The 2L barrel however is leaking like a sieve!

Soaked for 2 weeks, Put in bourbon within days it started leaking. Tried to seal with wax still leaking in multiple spots. Not recommended

I was very skeptical at first based off some of the negative reviews I was reading. My biggest concern was the spigot leaking. I will say this, I used a rubber mallet and softly hit the spigot in until it was completely flush. I then used very warm water and let it do its thing for 3 days to cure the barrel and tighten up any leaky areas.At the end of those three days I emptied the water and replaced with some good old fashioned white lightening. It’s been aging for exactly one month today and I will say, it has a very nice taste already and a good blonde color. I feel like 3 months aging in this barrel should do the trick.Im very pleased with this purchase and I will be buying another one of these in the near future. This barrel is made with quality craftsmanship! The black chalkboard label on the face of the Barrel is a very nice touch!If you are concerned about this barrel, don’t be. Just follow the directions for the curing process and you won’t have any issues at all.

Very well constructed. Cured easily and effectively. Very small leakage during curing which speaks to the great construction.

OK, that title is there for a reason. We were hoping to be able to use this item in our Pirate themed trunk-o-treat at church and put non-alcoholic pirates grog into it for the kiddos to try. Sadly, this is not a great use for this item. We are not brewers nor do we age alcohol for any reason. So, if you are I am sure that this would be a great item. One thing I was was disclosed is that if you have a latex allergy (like me) you will need to be aware that the cork in the top has a latex stopper on the end...So, if you are going to use it as intended or want to serve someone that you know has a latex allergy then this is not for you. It seemed to be made well...lots of flash and loose wood on the inside of the barrel (though the hole to see into is is really small).

Almost boiling water, sat overnight and not one leak. Tap spigot firm. It's not coming out so get it straight. First run of habanero garlic sauce 3 days in.