New Oak ... is it really necessary?

[Roger Burson]

From a cost perspective - in these lean economic times - imagine the difference when purchasing used oak barrels at around $200 rather than new at $1,100 and mixing in those used barrels at a higher percentage. Can even "rejuvenate" those older used barrels with some of the new processes out these days and get a $200 used barrel that'll simulate a one-filled, year old barrel for a fraction of the cost. Just sayin'...