Input Needed for Bourbon Chip Addition

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Nick429255, Aug 7, 2014.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Nick429255

    Nick429255 Initiate (0) Jan 17, 2014 Michigan

    I'll keep it quick and simple...

    I've got a 9% stout I brewed a while back. The 5 gallon batch was split in half and half got bottled last week and this is the other half. It was in primary for about 4 weeks and racked off into a secondary (for addition purposes) and it has been there for almost 3 weeks. Looking to add vanilla beans and Makers Mark oak chips (2oz) that have been soaking for 8 months. Question is- how do you guys usually add the chips? Muslim bag? Straight in?
    Second question is: I know I should pour off the Makers that's prob got tons of tannin in it, and add a little fresh Bourbon... anyone have input on how much bourbon to pour in? Or is it just a taste week-to-week deal? Keep in mind this is a 2.5 gallon portion in question. Thanks so much for any input! Cheers.
     
    #1 Nick429255, Aug 7, 2014
  2. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    I'd pour the whole thing straight in. It is to taste or personal preference however you'd like to say it. That being said, I'd add 8 oz for a 2.5 gallon batch. I've found that Bourbon tends to fade, blending into the other flavors. So make sure it's in there for a few weeks to stabilize the flavor (aroma as well) and know what you're getting.
     
    #2 InVinoVeritas, Aug 7, 2014
  3. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    I added 2 oz of oak chips to my Kate the Great clone a few months back. It was 3 gallons and I let it sit for three weeks. I thought I'd have an oak bomb. I should have tasted it before moving over to the bottling bucket. The oak barely showed up.

    The next time I'm oaking a big beer, I'm going to make it wreak of oak and let it settle for at least a year. YOU? Two oz of chips, without the fluid, for at least a month. Taste it before you move to a bottling bucket/keg.

    Good luck.
     
    #3 inchrisin, Aug 8, 2014
  4. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    BLUF: It doesn't matter
     
    #4 HerbMeowing, Aug 8, 2014
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.