Wood Barrel Issues

I noticed after the first day or two that the wood barrel's airlock stopped exhibiting gas release.  I realized that since the keg wasn't completely full that there was a potential that the top of the keg has dried slightly allowing gas seepage.

Seeing in a articles when researching wooden barrels about using glass beads to aid in filling the volume of the keg I purchased some beads and boiled.  After cooling I placed them into the barrel to raise the volume but sadly I didn't purchase enough.  Not wanting to potentially contaminate the brew I will wait and see on this effort.

My suggestion in the future is to brew a half gallon more than needed and waste the extra or place into smaller carboy.

First Time in Wooden Kegs

Transferring From the Primary to the Wooden Barrel

After some days of conditioning the new wooden barrel, Sunday was the moving day from the primary to the secondary fermenter.  Although most reports on the barrel fermentation state that it shouldn't be done, if a air lock is placed on top it can be utilized.

Airlock Installed to Relieve Fermentation Pressures

Over the next few weeks the Milky Moose Musk will gather the flavors from the oak barrel and add them to the overall flavor profile.  This will be interesting to determine if wood kegging the stout was the way to go.  Speaking of stouts ... today I will be brewing my first Oatmeal Stout called Rocky Point Oatmeal Stout.

Kick Ass Sassafras -- Almost There, but Not Quite Yet

Wood Keg

Before Adding Boiling Water

I started prepping the wood keg so I can continue the secondary fermentation inside.  The process of swelling the keg back to be water tight takes about three hours and I would advise doing it over the sink.

Added Boiling Water But With the Cracks Came Out Quickly

Kept Adding Boiling Water Until Cracks Sealed

I started the adding of the water on the counter but as quickly as I added the water it seeped through the keg all over the counter ... thus I quickly moved the keg to the sink as the ends sealed back up.  The final process of filling the keg I just took everything into the bath tub ... this part takes up to three days to complete according to the paperwork.

Left the Keg Filled in the Bath Tub