MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-61-3-0909-01 | 
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Peter Bouckaert. Owner/Brewmaster, Purpose Brewing and Cellars, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Abstract
Wooden vessels, although they have been used in brewing for a long time, have disappeared from use almost completely. However, farmhouse brewers, Belgian specialty beer brewers, and establishments with traditional serving practices have continued using wooden vessels. Wooden barrels also have reappeared due to interest in older techniques, and competitions like the Great American Beer Festival have had to add styles since 2001 to allow brewers to enter beer styles utilizing wooden barrels. Any piece of equipment requires maintenance, and this article delves into maintenance of wooden vessels, specifically for brewers. Beer is much more prone to potential safety issues due to lower alcohol and higher nutrient levels than those found in wine and distilled products. Most leaks in barrels can be addressed quickly with simple hand tools using time-tested methods. Although some repairs do require partial disassembly of the barrel, even these repairs are easily managed with hand tools and are outlined in this article.
Keywords: barrel, cooperage, foeder, maintenance, wood
