jlevac Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 I'm just wondering who has experience in aging whisky/bourbon in new 53 gal barrels? I'm interested in knowing if after 3 years, it is palatable or near ready? (Obviously longer can be better...). Looking for thoughts on how long a new 53g barrel will take compared to a 15g or 30g barrel... thanks J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TetonDistillery Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 24 months is very typical. Results may vary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Holshue Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 There are many variables that will change a barrels ability to age whiskey in any amount of time. Humidity, temperature fluctuation, amount of char, length of time the wood was "seasoned", etc. From what I can tell many of the smaller distilleries have to weigh a couple things out like- how does it taste? And how soon can I get it out (start making money on it)? I would agree with TetonVodka that most of what I have seen is 18-24 month old whiskey. Three would be great, but let your palate have the ultimate say. And always save a few back to see what some longer aging could do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlevac Posted June 2, 2014 Author Share Posted June 2, 2014 Being in Canada, we have to age whisky for 3 years. I just wanted to make sure that 3 years would at least give enough time to even consider selling a palatable product. We all talk about small barrels in the craft world but not much about the 53.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natrat Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 3 years is great. My best results ever were on a barrel that just didn't taste good after 4 years...but after 8...yummy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlevac Posted June 2, 2014 Author Share Posted June 2, 2014 3 years is great. My best results ever were on a barrel that just didn't taste good after 4 years...but after 8...yummy! So how long did it take you to make a nice bourbon in a 15 or 30 gal... just curious J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natrat Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 I haven't had any luck with bourbon in small barrels, and if you're going 30, just save the money and go into a 53. With malt, wheat, and corn whisky I have had good results with small barrels. Rye, not so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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