French oak chips

[Schmicter]

I completed my first spirit run, after e few previous runs of Birwatchers through pot still and would like to add a little oak flavor and some rye flavor. I went to the local brew shop and they only had toasted French oak chips. I cant find anything as to recommended starting quantities of French oak chips . I don’t want it to be overpowering. I have 1.2 ltr of hearts and 1.0 ltr of heart with some heads all about 65% ABV. I was also thinking of soaking some ground caraway to see if the flavor imitates rye. Anybody have suggestion per ltr using French toasted chips? And whether caraway might imitate rye and quantity?

[Odin]

If you macerate in caroway, you will get something like Aquavit. If you want rye taste, maybe try my rye bread whiskey:

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 11&t=35893

Those French chips probably ain't the best. Very thin? Than do not use them. Try JD Wood Oaking Chips in stead.

Odin.

[Schmicter]

I never tasted Aquavit, but I am going to put a little carraway in just to see how it is, maybe start with very little in a side jar of 200 mls, I don't want to ruin all the time I put in to this first spirit run. Been enjoying some commercially available rye lately, very distinctive flavor,
I bought the French oak chips so I will try them also a little at a time. Yes they are very thin and $2.00 doesn't seem like alot of money, but for about 5 tablespoons of French Wood, that looks like what we call mulch! I am in the wrong busness!