Fill the barrel with 10 - 20 liters of filtered, chlorine-free, cold water.

Roll the barrel to ensure every stave contacts the water.

Leave the barrel standing on one head for at least 4 hours (max 48 hours).

Re-roll the barrel to wet each stave again.

Flip the barrel onto the other head and leave for 4 hours.

Drain the barrel, and it is ready for use.

The ideal storage conditions are:

A clean and enclosed location to avoid contamination and sunlight.

Well ventilated to avoid mould development.

Temperature below 20°C and air humidity above 70% to maintain the wood's moisture.

Keep barrels in their original packaging (plastic and cardboard).

Ensure crystals and colloids are dissolved with hot water prior to steaming.

Apply steam to reach a threshold of 55C at a depth of 6mm into the wood. At this temperature, there will be effective destruction of Brettanomyces.

Follow with rinsing and drying of the barrel and a rapid refill. If the barrels are not to be refilled, sulphur treatment can be considered.

**It's important to note that excessive steam treatment beyond this will have no additional benefits, but does risk damaging the integrity of the oak staves.