The Barrel's Health:
Repair & Reconditioning

Everyone with a fondness for wine knows how to read a cork:

A nice dry, spongy cork, with just a touch of winey dampness at the bottom, is a sign the bottle was properly stored and that its stopper did the job in keeping oxygen from the wine -- whereas a syrupy deposit at the opening, a cork that's soaked through with wine, or one that's stiff and bone-dry from top to bottom, might forecast some problems with the vino about to be poured.

But can a barrel be examined for similar indications of good health?

Absolutely.

And, if after examining the barrel it appears to be less than sound, does that mean it is beyond repair and that the only option is to make it into a planter and shell out $700 for a new cask?

Absolutely not.

In fact, it's very likely Klaus can restore that sick, abused or tired barrel to a state as good as new.

Click on "More" to continue with "The Barrel's Health."