Aging in barrels vs. Glass carboy & oak chips

[Patirck]

I'm going to be making a Russian Imperial Stout - more or less like old rasputin and I'm planning on aging it in secondary either in glass with oak chips or in an oak barrel like the one on the more beer site. I was planning on at least 6 months secondary in the barrel or glass/oak chips and was wondering what if any difference I would see.

The one on the more beer site is:

http://morebeer.com/search?search=vadai&=Search?CODE=NEWMBTFEB2010

 

[Vance71975]

I'm going to be making a Russian Imperial Stout - more or less like old rasputin and I'm planning on aging it in secondary either in glass with oak chips or in an oak barrel like the one on the more beer site. I was planning on at least 6 months secondary in the barrel or glass/oak chips and was wondering what if any difference I would see.

The one on the more beer site is:

http://morebeer.com/search?search=vadai&=Search?CODE=NEWMBTFEB2010

Wood Chips work faster, IMHO you only need to be on wood chips for about 2 weeks to one month. Both will give the flavor you want.

 

[naamanf]

http://www.infusionspiral.com/infusion-spirals.html

I have had a Stone Russian clone with a bourbon infused spiral aging in a keg for the last year. Will see how it is next month.

 

[Patirck]

http://www.infusionspiral.com/infusion-spirals.html

I have had a Stone Russian clone with a bourbon infused spiral aging in a keg for the last year. Will see how it is next month.

Please keep me informed how this turns out. Brewing such a big beer and aging it for so long is a bit out of the ordinary for me - I could use all the pointers I can muster.

 

[jebsterr]

Big beers age well, russian imperial stouts, old ales, barley wines. All benefit and get great flavors while reducing burning sensation of the alcohol

 

[I_B_Mongo]

Either way will make a good beer. If you have the funds go for the barrel. I got one last year and really enjoy how my beers develop. There will be a taste difference, as the barrels allow some oxidation, as well as evaporation (angle's share). This can help lead to a beer with a richer mouthfeel.

 

[beerninja]

The oak chips work faster because there is more surface area in contact with the beer, so if time is a factor go with that. other then that i cant really see any difference other then bragging rights