Oak Barrel

[Seagull]

My new oak barrel from Lovebrewing has just arrived.

Nice looking thing - pleased so far.

How long would you guys reckon I should leave a neutral in a 3 litre virgin barrel to soak up a medium oaky flavour before adding some Still Spirits whisky or bourbon essences?

Thanks.

[gaza the instructor]

Seagull make some Rum.
Do your barrel justice.
I left my rum in my 8ltr barrel
since April may try some at Xmas.
(sorry Mash I said the forbidden
word again).

[Mash]

About 2 minutes if you can fit it in the microwave

I would shake (to mix) and daily to see how it is progressing.

Probably best to rinse and soak with clean water first too. Wash it out and make sure its water tight.

[Seagull]

Cheers guys.

Not a massive rum fan Gaza but might give it a try at some point. Quite fancy trying Odin's Rum Pirates course when he releases his next bunch of courses though.

[gaza the instructor]

I would like to join you on that one.
as mash says fill with warm water.
Check for leaks captain, better now
than when full of spirit.

[gaza the instructor]

To be honest Seagull, the barrel looks the nuts
but swing top jars and aging wood staves or blocks
is the way to go.
Faster results, more economical and more
controllable.
Try Still Dragon great site

[Seagull]

Cheers Gaza. Will try that next

[gaza the instructor]

Here you go Seagull my spirit table at my
birthday party.
Better on this page mate.

[Seagull]

Wow, that must've been a good party! That table looks great!

Love that upside down Smirnoff optic bottle.

[Easydrinker]

I think that Admiral Toad may be the go to man regarding small oak barrels.
I believe that he has bought a few, soaked a few, and flavoured them with sherry, before use.
It is all written up here,try Storage.
The idea of putting your wee barrel in a nuke machine?
I think was Mash attempting humour,- too much metal TBH.
Nuking is a good shortcut to oak aging, but not a replacement, and does require some thought.
Just MHO.

Robert.

[Mash]

It was humour