Essences

[Fermentanator]

Just wondering if those flavour essences you buy from home brew stores can be tweaked to replicate the flavours of commercial stuff like Jack Daniels and Jim Beam?

I dont trust the store owner enough to ask him. Say you got a good essence, maybe added a little of another essence, and mellowed with oak peices? Is it possible or am I wasting my time?

I do know the proper way is with the correct grain bill and a pot still. Just want to stick with my reflux for now.

Cheers

[kiwistiller]

not with essences, but if you can get Jack Daniels or bourbon barrel chunks, you can soak your neutral with them and get a pretty good replica. afterwards the mostly depleted oak is good for aging your rums etc when you get there.

[Fermentanator]

great, thanks mate. I'm sure I'll still be able to come up with something tasty from essences, until I get (make) me a pot still. Thanks again!

[inGOODspirits]

when I use them I do put the on oak. Also burn some white oak down to about 2/3rds and soak it in some neutral until it turns black and add about 1-2 ounces of that as well. For me it gives it the "real" taste that I look for while my UJSM is aging. You will find many opinions on essences but find something that you like and start tweaking it.

[Nightforce]

I find essences are okay for mixed drinks when made with good quality neutral. I've used about 5 so far and the only 2 I'd buy again are the Prestige peach schnapps and the Prestige Canadian whiskey. None of them have the nose of the real thing.

[Fermentanator]

thanks for the tips fellas

[Fermentanator]

Kiwistiller, with the Jack Daniels barrel chips, should I follow instructions on the pack or is there a better way? After soaking your neutral with the chips, do you just dilute the spirit and thats all you do? Or dilute before soaking with chips?

Cheers mate.

[kiwistiller]

I followed the instructions I think... has been a while. maybe I used more chips to spirit?

[Fermentanator]

cool, cheers again mate