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I have been toying with the idea of oaking a beer and was wondering what advice could be offered. I was thinking about doing an IPA or IIPA by adding a spiral or chips to the secondary. I read in "The Brewer's Apprentice" that chips are a little more aggressive than spirals. It also states that one or two spirals can do 8 months worth of barrel aging in 5 weeks. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Thanks for the help!

Jason

What kind of spirals do you have? Size, toast, etc?

And yes, it's not a bad idea.

I don't have any spirals yet. I've just been standing in front of the display wondering what to buy. I have a few bags of oak chips that came with wine kits but have no idea of their characteristics (ie toast)

I have used wine kit oak chips before. turned out good, but just go easy at first. Try 3/4 oz per 5 gal.

That sounds like a plan, maybe soak them in some bourbon first? How long with the oak chips? Should I put them in a hop bag or just throw them in the secondary?

I'd just throw them in the secondary if you are using one. I've thrown 3 inch pieces in kegs and left them for over a year. And I would at least steam/boil them just enough to sterilize them.

I usually just soak them in something (whiskey/scotch/bourbon/vodka whatever) for a week, drain off the booze, then toss it all into the secondary for awhile.

I finally did it. Brewed up a IIPA and split the batch in two. I soaked some medium toast oak chips in bourbon and added half an ounce to the first half. For the second half I added some chips made from a shredded whisky barrel. I got these off the liquor quick rack at my local homebrew store. Hopefully it turns out OK.

I've used those chips before in an oatmeal stout. Turned out really good.

mr x wrote:I've used those chips before in an oatmeal stout. Turned out really good.

Do they have them at Noble Grape?

I got mine water n wine in ng.

Jayme wrote:

mr x wrote:I've used those chips before in an oatmeal stout. Turned out really good.

Do they have them at Noble Grape?

If not those, something close.

Sandy

Any store that has the Liquor Quik rack should have the same products, especially larger stores than are here in PH.

Checked today, NG doesn't carry them. I could check that place in Clayton Park at some point.

I guess if the store is supplied by winemakeri, they should be able to order if for you:

http://www.winemakeri.com/LIQUOR_QUIK_E ... s_s/67.htm