Advice on oaking a homebrew

[spears104]

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

[mr x]

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

And yes, it's not a bad idea.

[spears104]

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)

[mr x]

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

[spears104]

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?

[mr x]

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.

[XmonikerX]

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.

[spears104]

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.

[mr x]

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

[Jayme]

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

Do they have them at Noble Grape?

[mr x]

I got mine water n wine in ng.

[GAM]

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

[spears104]

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

[Jayme]

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

[spears104]

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