Whether it is "safe or not" to use the spigot is one question, but the
first question would be why use a spigot? We have several barrels
with chrome spigots on them and keep them shut. The only time we use
them is to rinse them. Since using a siphon is the better option for
racking, it seems like you should just not risk the spigot and go
ahead and plug it. If you ask me, plug it with a rubber bung if you
can. The corks weep and grow mold. I should say that I've never
plugged it with a rubber bung so I can;t tell you how hard it is, or
isn't. I'm sure someone else on this board could comment on that.



On Oct 28, 5:55 pm, Jumbalaya > wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I received a 20L wine barrel as a gift & plan to use it soon. It's
> just like this one:


>
> http://morewinemaking.com/view_produ...SESSID=e3690d9...
>
> It came with a wooden spigot and spigot hole pre-drilled. Has anyone
> used one of these wooden spigots?
>
> Is it safe or could I come home to find a big ol' puddle of wine?
>
> Seems like you have to hammer it in but I wouldn't know how hard etc.
> Am I better off plugging the spigot hole with a cork and just
> siphoning out of the bung hole? Any advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thx,
>
> Ange