Keg ID / potential use of please?

[Yuz]

This beauty was destined for the tip, but fortunately instead gifted to me...
It looks like it's been used as home made wine barrel (came with a silicone bung and tap), and is clean and in good nick, but I'm struggling to figure out as to how it could be of benefit for the golden brew?
Perhaps it could make a coal bbq if cut in half and hinged?

 

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

It looks like something that may have dispensed cask ale - that large hole looks like it would have held a shive at one point.

 

[mashmaniac]

Old 18 gal Tooths or Castlemain Keg, they used to have a spear in that side hole. Not cask ale. These were pressure vessels. They make awesome kettles.

 

[Mat B]

I recently converted my old keggle into a coal smoker. Love it!

 

[Yuz]

Old 18 gal Tooths or Castlemain Keg, they used to have a spear in that side hole. Not cask ale. These were pressure vessels. They make awesome kettles.

Forgive my stupidity, but as a kettle? How's the side opening blocked? Or is it boiled on the side?