small barrel question

[HOPSareKEY]

Hello everyone,
What is everyone's opinion on aging beer in smaller barrels?

Unwaxed, fully waxed, partially waxed?

I'm under the impression that a reg 56 gal barrel has a perfect 02 exchange, but smaller barrels have too much based on surface area.

Is it best to leave a 10 gal barrel unwaxed and keep beer in for only 1/3 the time of a 56 gal barrel or 50% wax and leave it the full time?

Thank you

 

[SnakeRidge]

It depends on what you want. For me, when I've barrel aged brews, you taste and bottle when you get what you want. I assume that waxing the barrel slows the process dow. I would recommend being very involved in this brew and pulling samples often being prepared to package when you hit the sweet spot. Remember carryover and consider how it will age in the bottle or keg

 

[HOPSareKEY]

Ok. It's a big stout and it's a freshly dumped bourbon barrel. I want a lot of barrel character. I'm thinking unwaxed and try in 2 weeks and go from there? Thanks.