StillSmart

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-08T22:27:31+00:00

A belt sander or power planer helps tremendously with this.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Fri Jul 08, 2016 10:27 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-06T00:10:37+00:00

For what it is worth, I have been making my own Oak Match sticks for aging for a while now from retired distillery barrels.
I simply plane down the staves to clean wood,cut to length and chip/split to thin pieces.
The end result to me is worth the effort.

And IME they could be good to re-use a couple of times, with diminishing volumes. I keep my resting ones in a "plastic" bag in the 'Fridge.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Wed Jul 06, 2016 12:10 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-05T16:27:08+00:00

Re usable - store them bone dry or freeze.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Tue Jul 05, 2016 4:27 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-05T10:56:24+00:00

Getting there now. Keep going back to it as I'm currently on a job.
I've sawn off the grotty ends and sanded a fair bit and the change in smell is incredible.
Started off not really smelling and now it smells bloody lovely!
I've left a bit of the inside char on and am planning on putting it in the oven in the next couple of days. Although at this rate I'm not sure it needs it.
Can these blocks be reused or should I treat them like the chips?

Statistics: Posted by Corps012588 — Tue Jul 05, 2016 10:56 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-05T09:35:10+00:00

Unless its paint I probably wouldn't bother.

Use coarse paper - across the grain - in a belt sander. Orbital will struggle.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Tue Jul 05, 2016 9:35 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-05T08:57:29+00:00

Thanks mash. Just done a bit of sanding and looks like I'll be going some time!

Statistics: Posted by Corps012588 — Tue Jul 05, 2016 8:57 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-05T08:41:40+00:00

Corps012588 wrote:
Going to sand the chunks back to clean wood today. Is there any real rule as to what size to cut the oak for the purpose of aging?

Its all about convenience to YOU, followed by surface area. What can you get in and out of the vessels you plan to use.

I use literally 'domino' sized chunks in netting bags. Longer thinner 'staves' are also a popular choice.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Tue Jul 05, 2016 8:41 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-05T07:41:10+00:00

Going to sand the chunks back to clean wood today. Is there any real rule as to what size to cut the oak for the purpose of aging?

Statistics: Posted by Corps012588 — Tue Jul 05, 2016 7:41 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-07-01T22:00:30+00:00

Yes, you can nuke for a " quick taste" , but once you know, you know

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Fri Jul 01, 2016 10:00 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-06-30T06:49:49+00:00

Absolutely agree.

Nuking will give you a quick indication of what they will do and accelerate your understanding. If you have a chance of getting some more, also nice to know if they are worth getting.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Thu Jun 30, 2016 6:49 am

Re: barrel chunks

2016-06-29T23:13:33+00:00

Just my take on this.
I produce my own Oak "matchsticks" from retired Scotch Whisky barrel staves.
I plane them down to clean wood,I cut them to 1-2 inch lengths, and split them as small as I can.
I DO NOT toast or char.
With only a little time,(4-6 weeks) they colour spirits to a degree far darker than the wood.
They give a good flavour too.
Without a need for nuking.
May I suggest that you try it?

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:13 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-06-29T19:09:28+00:00

Toasted

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Wed Jun 29, 2016 7:09 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-06-29T18:39:24+00:00

Brilliant and will I get good colour just from toasting the chunks or do they need to be charred to add colour?

Statistics: Posted by Corps012588 — Wed Jun 29, 2016 6:39 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-06-29T17:34:37+00:00

If they are grotty yes. But 200c will sterilise them.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Wed Jun 29, 2016 5:34 pm

Re: barrel chunks

2016-06-29T15:24:23+00:00

Oh I'm not sure if it matters but I'm going to be putting them in my rum

Statistics: Posted by Corps012588 — Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:24 pm