5L/1.32Gal Aging Barrel Wooden Whiskey Barrel Bourbon Wine Barrel Home

About this barrel

A 5L whiskey aging barrel is the sweet spot for most home experimenters. It's big enough to hold several bottles and small enough that the oak works fast. This new 1.32-gallon oak barrel is listed at $37.15 by an independent eBay seller.

How do I prep a 5L whiskey aging barrel before the first fill?

Swell it first. Fill it with water and let the staves expand until any seeping stops, then drain it and add your spirit. Skipping this step is the most common cause of leaks.

• Taste early: small barrels age quickly, so sample every week or two instead of waiting months.
• Char level: not stated here. Check the listing for a toasted or charred inside.
• Included parts: look for the spigot, bung and stand in the seller's photos.
• Buyer protection: covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.

A good way to turn white whiskey or moonshine into something amber and oaky.