colouring/flavouring the neutral

[ianskill]

hi, i have been to the tried recepies and followed the cornflake whiskey. As the whiskey will come out almost clear in my pot still but with flavour,has anyone tried any colouring on the finished product. i have some vanilla essence here and woundered if a touch would harm the taste, thanks

[GrassHopper]

When you say neutral, do you mean because it is clear. The usual term here for "neutral" is vodka or a distillate that is mostly tasteless. What you made is not considered a neutral, it is a sugarhead with corn (cornflakes) for flavor which when added to oak makes a faux whiskey.
Actually, some of us here add a little vanilla to our oaked whiskey. But most add it in the form of a vanilla bean. And it doesn't take much or you will over power it. Just about 1/2" per gallon is what I use. Wouldn't hurt anything to add it to clear if ya want.
If you want color, why don't you oak it?

[ianskill]

yes,i have being doing lots of reading regarding the oak. ive read about how many times oak can be used. Ive looked on auction site someone in UK selling oak chunks from barrels. My question is if these barrels are used how do we know if any oak flavour left in them

[GrassHopper]

yes,i have being doing lots of reading regarding the oak. ive read about how many times oak can be used. Ive looked on auction site someone in UK selling oak chunks from barrels. My question is if these barrels are used how do we know if any oak flavour left in them

There is lots of flavor left in those barrel staves. Lots of us here use them. Try and get ones that have had the char removed already or you will have to do it yourself. Or look for a cabinet maker in your area and ask for some American White Oak (Alba Quercus). Or if in Europe, French Oak. Rechar them and toast them and your good to go.

If you do a search you will find plenty of threads on toasting, charring and oaking.