Oak barrel bits

[admin]

Cara Declan gave me some bits of a broken up oak whiskey barrel to use in beer (sound familiar?  )

They have no whiskey aroma left, tho they are visibly charred on one size.

So, I was thinking of breaking some up into small chips and soaking in actual whiskey for a while. And then using them.

Anyone any thoughts on this?

[Shane Phelan]

If these are the same ones you gave me, I was going to sand down the outside which was exposed to the elements and maybe sand down the inside a bit. Then cut/chop them into cubes like this:



Then I was going to toast them in the oven for a length of time to be determined. I figured that the toasting in the oven would kill any nasties. Then use them the next time I make my imperial stout. I'm aiming for oak/toast flavour.

I was going to use this as a guide in terms of temperature:


I have never done this before so I'm not 100% sure this will work at all....

[Ciderhead]

Noooooooooooo Don't put Pinocchio in your beer.

Any oak chips I put in my wine are slivers and very fine pieces rather than the chunks you have there.

[johnrm]

Maybe put chips in a muslin bag with a weight to immerse?

[DEMPSEY]

Maybe put chips in a muslin bag with a weight to immerse?

Are Jewish or Christian bags prettier or uglier then muslim bags  

[johnrm]

Totally OT.
My 6yr old was sitting in the car with my wife waiting outside school to pick up my 10yr old.
An Islamic lady passes in Full Black Burka.
6yr old whispers 'Mom? Is that a Ninja?'