StillSmart

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-07-12T23:19:56+00:00

That is because you are a smart arse, and so are/is wanted on this site!
Smart people are always welcome here.
As are self depreciating folk with a sense of humour.
There is no pay.
We are here for the love of what we do, and helping newbies keep themselves alive.
If we don't do it, does anyone else give a shit?
I have a theory that they do, and so, the reason that we remain unmolested.
I have been found wrong before, no doubt will be again.
But my current viewpoint is quite pleasing.

Shit, here come the Rozzers!

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Wed Jul 12, 2017 11:19 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-07-06T22:18:27+00:00

I did

Statistics: Posted by H12rpo — Thu Jul 06, 2017 10:18 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-07-06T20:28:59+00:00

I'll +1 this.
Who knew Balsa is a Hardwood?

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:28 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-07-06T16:56:09+00:00

Just a quick note of caution.
It is not the case as someone asserted above that all hardwoods are safe and softwoods not..indeed, there are many people who wouldn't know a softwood from a hardwood (and no, it's nothing to do with density or hardness, it's simply whether the tree is deciduous or evergreen).
For eg Yew is toxic to both humans and other animals ....it's a softwood but very hard in its density. It also has a very appealing smell and you'd think Ig would make a great flavour. Don't do it.
I would steer clear of the exotic woods too, some like zebrano and purple heart cause irritation to mucous membranes at the very least and you just never know. If you want to experiment stick with the fruit tree wood

Statistics: Posted by H12rpo — Thu Jul 06, 2017 4:56 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-15T12:57:23+00:00

RumJohn wrote:
@ Old Bri: Mate, sorry but I don't think in anything other than Centigrade. You must be a Yank.

There is a difference between charring a piece of wood and heating it to a particular level to bring out a flavor profile.

An easy way of exposing more end grain would be to take one of those blocks pictured and cross cut, but not all the way to make for easier handling. Cut every 3/16 or 1/4". Maximize end grain exposure without it all falling apart.

m8,
I'm English...
but my brain must be from out of space....
thx for advice.
I knoew there was more science into it, and was great researching.
least ive read and understand more.....
i'll get there..
appreciate you taking time to answer me.
Bri

Statistics: Posted by old bri — Thu Jun 15, 2017 12:57 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-15T00:37:32+00:00

@ Old Bri: Mate, sorry but I don't think in anything other than Centigrade. You must be a Yank.

There is a difference between charring a piece of wood and heating it to a particular level to bring out a flavor profile.

An easy way of exposing more end grain would be to take one of those blocks pictured and cross cut, but not all the way to make for easier handling. Cut every 3/16 or 1/4". Maximize end grain exposure without it all falling apart.

Statistics: Posted by RumJohn — Thu Jun 15, 2017 12:37 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-11T14:25:01+00:00

Mash wrote:
There is an awful lot of p'ing about. They're is also a lit more science than you might think.

I buy in French oak for my wine. It is very expensive but the results are stunning.

aye,
I see you loud n clear with this one...
nothing with researching and the best is listening what people are saying about there experiences...that when I'm good at. Listening to advise and acting on it.
a lot of p'ing around, so the best is buying the oak that's barrel treated so to speak.
all them homebrew shops chipping etc don't exited me....too much crap on the net.
so ill look at the still dragon link about the oak..dont mind forking out money if there the dogs knackers
thax again Mash...keeps me on my toes lol
now of to try and get the first single malt recipe sorted..
questions, questions every where...lol
Bri

Statistics: Posted by old bri — Sun Jun 11, 2017 2:25 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-12T06:31:54+00:00

There is an awful lot of p'ing about. They're is also a bit more science than you might think.

I buy in French oak for my wine. It is very expensive but the results are stunning.

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:18 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-10T11:11:40+00:00

Easydrinker wrote:
Flump's response concerning barrels was spot on.
Run John and end grain was also good.
Myself, I only oak age scotch, and only use cleaned up, planed down ex. Scotch barrel staves. And I do not char them. I cut and split to something akin to matchsticks.
From your list of wood, I might use Apple or Beech, I use both to smoke food.
The others I might be cautious with, Ewe for instance I believe is poisonous, but I may be wrong.

Robert.

Hi Robert,
Quite interesting there.
Seems to me (eventually lol) that's a lot of p'ing about if I can buy the best barrel staves etc.
Yeah there a lot of wood not suitable and I'm learning the best way is for me..
Least I'm researching lol still want to try apple n beech wood :-) why not!
Thx pal
Bri

Statistics: Posted by old bri — Sat Jun 10, 2017 11:11 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-10T05:26:08+00:00

old bri wrote:
A couple of blocks...
Started charring then decided to get advice lol

Bri

Just a thought, but for spirit you want charred - I think what you have there is heavy toasted.

I would steer away from exotics - stick to oak and apple. Yew I think is poisonous somehow and walnut which leak a very dark tannin. ( Walnut steeped in neutral and a bit of sugar makes a v good liquer and which is thick and BLACK)

Statistics: Posted by Mash — Sat Jun 10, 2017 5:26 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-09T22:20:21+00:00

Flump's response concerning barrels was spot on.
Run John and end grain was also good.
Myself, I only oak age scotch, and only use cleaned up, planed down ex. Scotch barrel staves. And I do not char them. I cut and split to something akin to matchsticks.
From your list of wood, I might use Apple or Beech, I use both to smoke food.
The others I might be cautious with, Ewe for instance I believe is poisonous, but I may be wrong.

Robert.

Statistics: Posted by Easydrinker — Fri Jun 09, 2017 10:20 pm

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-09T11:32:34+00:00

A couple of blocks...
Started charring then decided to get advice lol

You can see the end Grain is ok? I think..
Bri

Statistics: Posted by old bri — Fri Jun 09, 2017 11:32 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-09T10:19:28+00:00

RumJohn wrote:
@old bri: You want maximum exposure to end grain. This will shorten the time to age drastically compared to side grain.

Assuming this chart uploaded OK, it will give you an idea of the flavor profiled developed depending on temp.

You might find something easier to start with than bourbon.

Enjoy.

Morning pal,
A good graph..and the advise with the end grain makes sence..
Yeah a bourbon is sugested first..
From the graph can you explain the temps (in F) for me?
How it works etc..
Thx
Bri

Statistics: Posted by old bri — Fri Jun 09, 2017 10:19 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-09T00:51:12+00:00

@old bri: You want maximum exposure to end grain. This will shorten the time to age drastically compared to side grain.

Assuming this chart uploaded OK, it will give you an idea of the flavor profiled developed depending on temp.

You might find something easier to start with than bourbon.

Enjoy.

Statistics: Posted by RumJohn — Fri Jun 09, 2017 12:51 am

Re: First time making my own oak chips/cubes for aging..help

2017-06-08T17:53:18+00:00

been thinkin.............(OMG bri has a cell working today! lol)
I know there'll be wood that's good for aging...and whats are not.
could peruse on the following wood I got and either right down 'OK' and why..same with the in suilble wood ''CRAP' and why.
beech
ewe
zebrand
olive ash
black ash
sycamore
white ebony
English oak
indian walnut
American oak
and lot more...unfotinaly no French oak

along with the question as you know my brain isn't working on full cylinders so question that may seen easy it hard for to see the wood for the tree's...so to speak...and of course I'm a numpty!!
1. the suilable wood is there a specific way off the cut? i.e. with the grain..or best making 'Chips'(at the mo ive got English oak into squares..and started charring the other day.
but stops and wanted the go ahead from somebody that know lol.
2. stupid question time....the cubes/dominos etc wont last for ever...but say the wood is chipped into small pieces do I get a tell tale sign using them multiple time b4 I have to throw the buggers owt?
what about bigger cubes/dominos?
I'm hazard a guess here...when colour and the taste demises...lol

I see the obvious hard woods that are use..but what about cut off of exotic hard wood...?
if I ask any more question you'll fall asleep....or PMSL..
so ill stop now and chill.
any help be great.
bri

dress up Thursday....

Statistics: Posted by old bri — Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:53 pm