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View Full Version : Wine barrel staves as stick-burner fuel?


Damn True
08-08-2013, 11:11 AM
I live in CA and know a few people that own wineries. One sizeable and two of the "hobby" variety. Hence, I have access to old barrels. Wondering first of all if anyone has any info on whether or not they'd be safe to use for fuel based on the wine and it's sundry compounds penetration into the wood. My gut sense is that it should be ok. Any conflicting info?

If it is safe it should offer opportunity for some interesting experimentation with respect to the differences between American Oak and French Oak. They have a distinct difference in how they impact the flavor of wines, I wonder if they'd have a difference in the flavor of the smoke produced? For reference and speaking in broad generalities, French oak barrels are typically more subtle and spicy, offering textures of satin or silk to the wine. American barrels tend to be stronger in flavor, often described as cream soda, vanilla, or coconut, resulting in wines with a more creamy texture.

The type of wine they once contained may also have an impact.

deguerre
08-08-2013, 11:14 AM
It's already a cottage industry...

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/7830854/?catalogId=45&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Outdoor&cm_pla=Grill_Tools_&_Accessories&cm_ite=Wine_Barrel_Staves_32oz_Bundle_%7C_Williams-Sonoma&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-202659220-2 (http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/7830854/?catalogId=45&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Outdoor&cm_pla=Grill_Tools_&_Accessories&cm_ite=Wine_Barrel_Staves_32oz_Bundle_%7C_Williams-Sonoma&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-202659220-2)

http://ab.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201319/0123/img83o.jpg

Mdboatbum
08-08-2013, 11:16 AM
Yeah, it's fine. What's even better is making a wine barrel smoker.

Damn True
08-08-2013, 11:19 AM
http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/1291131680_two-thumbs-up.jpg

It's already a cottage industry...

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/7830854/?catalogId=45&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Outdoor&cm_pla=Grill_Tools_&_Accessories&cm_ite=Wine_Barrel_Staves_32oz_Bundle_%7C_Williams-Sonoma&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-202659220-2

http://ab.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201319/0123/img83o.jpg

swamprb
08-08-2013, 01:46 PM
Been all over them!

The large barrels contained Cabernet Sauvignon and the small one was from a microvintner that aged Syrah in it.
They all cried when I told them I'd be smoking with them!

Cottage industry is right!
September October & November seems to be when I see a lot of them for sale around here, but everyone wants top dollar, and furniture makers like to snap them up as well.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/IMG_4040.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/IMG_4037.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/IMG_1404.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/IMG_1403.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/IMG_1408.jpg

I chunk them up fist sized and use them all the time! It would seem to be a waste to use them as a fuel source.

palehorse
08-08-2013, 02:07 PM
Yeah, it's fine. What's even better is making a wine barrel smoker.

I can attest to this, personally. This is Calliope, she smokes great! I helped the owner build her.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9468093700_1e3cf65cc2_c_d.jpg