Putting older posts here. Going to try to keep the novice forum pruned about 90 days work. The 'good' old stuff is going to be put into appropriate forums.
Due to monetary restraints at the moment I'm not going to make an online purchase for oak to flavor my whiskey. The growing oaks in my area are Live Oaks, which have a bitter taste, so I'm told.
I have an oak dow rod, 1.5" thick, reddish color oak. Looks like one you pick up at Lowe's or Home Depot. Yes, I am in the U.S.
Does anyone know if this is a suitable oak for me to use? It doesn't have any treatment done to it, no lacquer, no finish, etc.
WHITE OAK ONLY!!! Dont use red oak. Its properties are to harsh and if toasted the hemicellulose you are looking to convert into sugars will be to harsh and tanic. Not to mention the bad volitiles.
Don't use commercial bought wood or scrap like old pallets or such. Depending on where it came from and where it is going, some has to be treated with pesticides to make sure there are no invasive species introduced.
Fire is the devil’s only friend - Don McLean
Jump in where you can and hang on - Brisco Darling
Go buy some Jack Daniels smoking chips. They sell them at any Walmart and places like that. Char them up your self. There made out of there barrels they keep Whiskey in. That would be your best bet if you cant find your own Oak.
Jack Daniel's smoking chips huh? Those are oak? The only ones I can find in the stores around here are all hickory. That is what I have been using, but the flavor is very distinct.....good, but not exactly what I am looking for.
