Bourbon barrel aging

Many have seen my recent thread outlining my planned frankenbrew extract Black Rye Imperial IPA.

If not here are some specs: 8oz caramunich, 8oz caramel 40L, 8oz chocolate malt, 8oz chocolate rye, 3.3# dark lme, 3.3# amber lme, and 6# or possibly 3# of gold lme. 4oz warrior for bittering, 4oz centennial for flavoring, 4oz Simcoe for aroma, and 4oz Simcoe whole leaf for double dry hopping.

I have a used recently poured bourbon barrel on the way. I was thinking heavily about taking this planned IIPA, dubbed Black the RIIPA, and letting it soak in this barrel as its secondary. I have had Burton Baton and Dogfish 120min, two of my absolute most favorite bevs.

Does this sound like a good idea? If so how long should I let soak? Does it matter it's a 8gal barrel and my batch is 5 gal? Would dry hopping be a good idea in the barrel and if so should I wait till the last week of soaking?

I think that's about it hah.

Can anyone shed light on some tips to barrel aging? Just kind of concerned about putting 5 gallons in a 8 gallon barrel, seems like alot of headroom. I have tank of c02, so maybe flush the 0xygen out and stick an airlock on it?

WortIfied said:

Can anyone shed light on some tips to barrel aging? Just kind of concerned about putting 5 gallons in a 8 gallon barrel, seems like alot of headroom. I have tank of c02, so maybe flush the 0xygen out and stick an airlock on it?

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Barrels really need to be full. They are porous and your co2 blanket will dissipate with time leaving you vulnerable to oxidation and perhaps acetobacter.

wonderbread23 said:

Barrels really need to be full. They are porous and your co2 blanket will dissipate with time leaving you vulnerable to oxidation and perhaps acetobacter.

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+1 to this.

Brew another small 2 gallon batch and add it in when you transfer to the barrel. This way your barrel is full. Since you are aging, the extra week or 2 to make the smaller top-off batch should not set you back too far!

Thanks, this is exactly what I was thinking, that's alot I headroom for a 5 gallon batch. Much appreciated!