There are a few reasons you may want to break a barrel down to use for your homemade spirits. Perhaps it's just really hard to get good wood where you live, barrels are a great option. If you get a good barrel from a reputable cooper you also know you have great quality wood. Of course, you also have the option of picking up a barrel that had something else in it, a perfect flavour boost! Port, sherry, cognac, rum, bourbon . . . . the options are endless! Once you have selected a barrel to break down the job is pretty easy. 1- Remove the small tacks holding the hoops in place (if the barrel has them) 2 - Remove the hoops themselves 3 - Process the staves themselves and store them Taking a wine or whisky barrel apart really is verry easy. why not give it a go yourself?