The first barrell I purchased was from this cat or some other. $15.00 I think it was, and I drove across phoenix from Gilbert.
Barrell was food grade, supposedly had pineapples or something in it. Basically a coat of grease in the drum and a red liner of some type. I burned about 1/2 cord of wood in it. I got it so hot, it was see through.
Upon completion....The red liner remained. Based on the BBQ-Brethren reports, you then have to get in and use a wire wheel to get the red liner out. You don't have to, but your feeding friends and family off the thing. Well, I'm not going to look like a chimney sweep for anyone, so I got rid of that barrell, besides what is my time worth? $15.00 + many hours + gas to pick it up = equals a new barrell.
They can be purchased here for about $55-$60. Brand new.
http://www.sunwestcontainer.com/