Commercial Barrel-Aging

One way to make sure a used whiskey, bourbon or wine barrel won't leak is to pressure test. Here are two methods of checking pressure and the tools needed.

Craft brewers, winemakers, mead makers and other barrel-aging pros use a Vinnie nail, a small to medium stainless steel nail to sample from barrels.

Used wine barrels often need to be swelled before you can refill them with beer, cider or other beverage. These are the steps to take when swelling a wine barrel.

A whiskey or wine barrel that's gotten too dry may develop leaks over time. Here's how to swell and tighten it up to prevent leaks and loss of beer or other beverages.