Oak water Keg question..

[SCLoyalist]

I realize charred oak kegs are normally used for aging spirits and paraffin lined kegs for water, but would a charred (or 'lightly toasted') keg or barrel be okay for (drinking) water?   Thanks, SCL

[cmac]

I don't see why not.....Char can help settle your stomach. Charcoal is used in some water filters.  You may want to rinse it well.   The only problem with barrels for water is that they have to be used a fair bit or pre soaked before an event(or they may leak).

[pathfinder]

As long as you put something in the water to lessen the burnt taste,mint oil,Cinnamon or some such.

[TMerkley]

It will also help with keeping the water from mildewing.  And yes it comes out with a brown color.  I found an old 4 gallon keg at an antique store. It leaked like a silve.  I filed most of the beatle holes but still had a little soft wood. I pluged it the best I could with some wedges on the soft wood.  It leaked but not near like it did before.  I use it for washing hands.  I had to make my own spigot.  Lowe's has Oak dowel rod which will work. 

[Longknife]

I have an old keg I found in my Wifes' Grandfathers barn. I used to put it in a wheel barrow full of water about four days before I was planning a camping trip. It would seal up and not leak a drop after that. The water out of it tasted REAL bad though and I had to keep a bottle of "spirits" on hand to wash tha taste out of my mouth,,,...LOL...Ed

[SCLoyalist]

Thanks, All for the info.   I found a website for Gibbs Bros Cooperage in Arkansas.  Their prices for paraffin lined water barrels look pretty good - cheaper and more appealing than a made-across-the-border charred interior spirits barrel.  Anybody ever buy from them?