Barrel Source - Advice/discussion?

[Biff]

Hi all,
A guy named Paul Gray (Knot-Hole Creations, NCAL) stuck a Craig's List
post for Denver about his barrel business. I got the following info from
him:

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All barrels are "wine barrels" made from reds such as Merlots or
Cabernets. I sell my furniture grade 10-gal. for $159.00 ea.pl. shipping
The "Making" barrels start at $175.00 ea. pl. shipping w/unshaved
interiors(all you have to do is a hot water rinse and sulpher wick the
interior), or add $35.00 for the shaved interior and lt. or med. toast ( a
hot water rinse is all that is necessary).No extra charge for A/O or F/O.
If needed as a "keg"( w/spigot and cradle and plug) add $25.00. All barrels
are shipped in clear plastic bag.

If I can answer any other questions you can e-mail me directly at
paulgrayau999@earthlink.net or call at 916-320-6481. The "lead time" for
your barrel would be at least 60-days before you needed it to fill, I
usually have order filled with in 2-weeks of order and this gives you a bit
of time to seat or swell the barrel in time for use! Thanks again for your
time, have a great day,Paul Gray/Knot-Hole Creations

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Can anyone expound on his explanations, like why I would want a sulfur
wick it, and what is sweating/swelling? I'm new to barrels, but interested
nonetheless. It's a bit pricey, but I've got a birthday comin up this July.

Also, I don't know what kind of beer I would keep this full with, so I'm open
to suggestions, but I'm guessing the "toast" I want has to do with the type
of beer I want to brew in it?

Further, has anyone heard of this guy and/or vouch for his work?

Thanks much.

[DannyW]

Can anyone expound on his explanations, like why I would want a sulfur
wick it, and what is sweating/swelling?

All I know about barrels I have read in books, so expect anyone else's answer to be better

Sulfur is burned in barrels for sanitizing.

Sweating/swelling is filling the barrel with water to make the wood swell up and seal better. The wood will shrink as it dries, opening up spaces between the staves. When you fill a dry barrel it will *gush* water for a while. Then trickle, then stop leaking at all.

Also, I don't know what kind of beer I would keep this full with, so I'm open to suggestions, but I'm guessing the "toast" I want has to do with the type of beer I want to brew in it?

I've never tried it, but here's a wild guess. More tannic wood character from a light toast, more caramel/vanilla character from a heavier toast?

[teamtom]

Has Vinnie C. started selling barrels yet?