Question about aging with cherry wood

[Dan O]

I've been hanging out on Bray's website & I would love to try the cherry Explosion BOMM. The cherry staves that were mentioned in the recipe aren't available because the company is closed due to covid uptake there. My question is, will any cherry chunks do, as long as I soak them in vodka or do they have to be the staves as mentioned? I have cherry wood from a tree that was cut down. I also have cherry chunks for smoking on the grill you can buy in most big box stores. Sorry for the newbie questions, but, after all, I am still a newbie. Thank you, in advance, for anyone who takes time to reply. Happy meading

 

[Dan O]

Also, I've read that chips are too one dimensional vs chunks or cubes being a better character. I'm guessing, but, does that go for ANY wood or just Oaking?

 

[CKuhns]

Hello @Dan O

Although I have never tried Cherry (OR really anything other than Oak) I have had good success with chips.

With that said, you got me thinking a bit. Why not Cherry or any other aromatic wood? I use Apple, Cherry and Mesquite in my smoker.) I would think any of the above would give up some tannins in mead.