Hi all,
I just wanted to share my experience to try and help others in the future.
I was making a rough Oaked Arrogant Bastard style batch (more that "theme" than exactly that recipe by any means). In the secondary, I added a full couple oz packet of medium toast oak cubes (maybe 25+ little cubes) that had been soaking in Maker's Mark for a month in a jar. I did NOT dump in much of the residual bourbon at all. I let this rest (with the aroma hops that were also added) for a month, and then bottled. The bottles sat for two weeks and I tried my first one a week or so ago. I'll say, not bad...definitely interesting, BUT, I'd also say OVER bourbony. Almost a burn when you drink it. I'd cut the oak chips in half next time, or maybe only soak half of them. Sort of a shame that it's overpowering the brew's flavor. The color is a beautiful red dark amber, very close to the Oaked Bastard, and it's wonderfully crystal clear. My only hope is if I let these puppies sit for 6 months or more that they mellow and smooth out, so it's not quite the bourbon punch it is right now.
Just FYI, the base for this brew was Pacific Brewing Co's Blue Whale Ale kit.
I just wanted to share my experience to try and help others in the future.
I was making a rough Oaked Arrogant Bastard style batch (more that "theme" than exactly that recipe by any means). In the secondary, I added a full couple oz packet of medium toast oak cubes (maybe 25+ little cubes) that had been soaking in Maker's Mark for a month in a jar. I did NOT dump in much of the residual bourbon at all. I let this rest (with the aroma hops that were also added) for a month, and then bottled. The bottles sat for two weeks and I tried my first one a week or so ago. I'll say, not bad...definitely interesting, BUT, I'd also say OVER bourbony. Almost a burn when you drink it. I'd cut the oak chips in half next time, or maybe only soak half of them. Sort of a shame that it's overpowering the brew's flavor. The color is a beautiful red dark amber, very close to the Oaked Bastard, and it's wonderfully crystal clear. My only hope is if I let these puppies sit for 6 months or more that they mellow and smooth out, so it's not quite the bourbon punch it is right now.
Just FYI, the base for this brew was Pacific Brewing Co's Blue Whale Ale kit.