New barrels are fabricated from dried wood and must be re-hydrated before first use. Completely fill the barrel with room temperature water. Initially, new barrels will rapidly leak until the wood has swelled from the water absorption. New barrels will typically leak for a few days to a few weeks.

Once the barrel has stopped leaking, it should be conditioned to remove excessive tannin.

1. Fill the empty barrel with a solution of Barolkleen mixed at of a ratio of 1 lb Barolkleen* per 5 gallons luke warm water. Do not use hot water. Allow the barrel to soak for 3 to 7 days.

2. Drain the barrel and flush 3 to 4 times with water.

3. Neutralize and remaining Barolkleen by rinsing the barrel with an acidic solution consisting of 2 oz sulfite crystals, 1 oz citric acid and 2 gallons of water. Splash all surfaces.

4. Drain the acidic solution and rinse well with water. The barrel may now be filled with wine.

5. Treat small new barrels (5 to 10 gallons) with 2 to 3 applications of Barolkleen.

*Warning: be careful when handling Barolkleen.  Barolkleen contains lye, which in its concentrated form is extremely caustic.  Be wary of getting the powder on your fingers and rubbing your eye, etc.