Cedar Rapids Brewing Society

So I have the chance to get a 30 gallon barrel for pretty cheap $40. It was a spirit barrel and was used to ferment a clean beer in once, I would be using it for sours anyway. It has been sitting empty for 2 month though.

Should I pass because 30 gallons is a lot to brew? I could fill it with 3 brew sessions. I'd ferment in the barrel rather than just secondary in it.
Has it been sitting too long?

Depends on where it was stored whether 2 months was enough to dry it out and shrink the staves. I'd ask to fill it with water first to see if it leaks before buying it.

If it leaks you can re-hydrate to see if it will swell and seal again. Mine was so dry when I first got it some light came through. I soaked it in a water bath and it sealed up. Question is what is inside afer being used for beer. For $40 bucks it may be worth a try. Up to you if you think 30 gallons is too much. Sounds like a nice solera barrel to me.

Oh Matt, now you have me thinking about it again. Since I wouldn't have to deal with 30 gallons on the back end, just however much I want to pull.