Sanitizing an Oak Barrel

[Al-Loves-Wine]

Yesterday I bought this barrel, it was in good shape other than a bit dirty on the inside from what I could see with the flashlight. Hoping this summer I will have the opportunity to fill it full-o-beer and age it for awhile. Guy I bought it from said it was in his family for years and he was pretty sure it had rum in it. I think its roughly 35-40 gallons likely.

Anybody have suggestions of the best way to clean and sanitize one of these for use?

[jamie_savoie]

Steam or really really hot water
If the inside went dry it might leak and need repairs, so make sure to test it before filling it with beer!
That thing would be perfect for a solera flanders.  I'm super jealous!  If you decide to sell it think of me

[robcoombs]

Use it for a Flanders!! I would love to have something similar for sours.

[Roger]

Just a suggestion. You might want to fill it with a beer you plan to sour. That way you're not disappointed when it does.
As far as cleaning it I'd try very hot water sloshed around do this several times then a nice long steaming.
Great find though. 

[robcoombs]

Now that i think of it I'm pretty sure there's a section in the book "Wild Brews" that details how to clean and prep a barrel.

[jamie_savoie]

Now that i think of it I'm pretty sure there's a section in the book "Wild Brews" that details how to clean and prep a barrel.

yes it does and so does American Sour
@Al-Loves-Wine , I'll bring those 2 books this w-e

[Al-Loves-Wine]

Yeah I was thinking steam as well. I showed my Dad last night when I got it, then he showed me his 4.5 gallon whiskey barrel that he bought in Saint John over 30 years ago when there was apparently a distillery there. (Or maybe still is)

He says first thing is to fill it with hot water and let it soak a few day to make it expand and form a proper seal again.

I had the idea of an easy way to steam it would be to use a pressure cooker and remove the weight and set the barrel opening over top steam outlet, with the barrel sitting on a couple saw horses.

Sounds good @jamie_savoie, maybe its time I try a sour. Almost 3 months since I brewed anything, really had the itch the past little while.

[Al-Loves-Wine]

Just came across this, http://www.kegworks.com/oak-barrel-total-care-cleaning-kit even has wax for repairing leaks.

[blisster]

Awesome find Al!

I think we'll have to plan a brew day with a few others this summer to fill this thing up!

[Two Wheeler]

Awesome find Al!

I think we'll have to plan a brew day with a few others this summer to fill this thing up!

I'd be good to contribute 5 gals!

[robcoombs]

I'm in