The only thing I would add here is that applies to a properly toasted
barrel. I have 5 gallon untoasted and like an idiot I didn't
disassemble it and toast it. The flavors untoasted oak impart are
different and just didn't seem compatible with my reds. They
literally are hard or harsh, not subtle at all. It's fairly neutral
now so I'm as happy with it as I am going to get. It was a gift.

Taking a barrel apart and getting it back together isn't rocket science
but does require attention to detail.
Joe