Whiskey Barrel Taste

HarrisonHomeBrew · 06-12-2007, 02:42 AM

I had an excellent brew pub stout the other day that was "aged in whisky barrels". I obviously don't have any old whisky barrels laying around, but I would like to replicate that brew. Can you buy old chunks of whiskey barrel anywhere to add to carboy, or can you soak oak chips in bourbon? When and how long does it take?

brewt00l · 06-12-2007, 02:31 PM

Search the forum on the burbon/oak cubes. There have been several threads in the past.

cweston · 06-12-2007, 02:39 PM

I have done the bourbon-soaked oak cube thing.

I also have some Jack Daniels smoking chips, which are chunks from oak JD barrels. I bought them for smoking, but I believe others have reported using them for beer with success.

Since they're already bourbon flavored, I guess you'd steam them to sanitize, rather than soaking in bourbon. (Or you could soak them in cheap vodka if you prefer.)