splitting secondary

[rhinoceroceros]

I don't normally do a secondary fermentation but I recently brewed an imperial stout and would like to let it sit a few months before bottling. I would also like to add a little something (oak, vanilla, coffee) to add a little depth. I am considering splitting the secondary into 4 or 5 separate fermentations and adding something different to each. I assume I will need to have airlocks on all of the secondaries, but before I go buy them I thought I'd poll the experts. Also suggestions for other flavors to add are appreciated

 

[JJL]

If you're going to move them off the yeast cake and let them age, then yes you would need a carboy with an air lock or a keg or some other sealed vessel for each different treatment to minimize oxygen exposure over time.

 

[rhinoceroceros]

I was planning on waiting about 2 weeks before transferring, but in the interest of minimizing oxygenation, perhaps transferring sooner would be a good idea?

 

[GrogNerd]

move it to secondary (or bottle/keg) any time after primary fermentation is complete

and splitting them up to give them different treatments is an AWESOME idea