Small barrel aging time

[MarvinSutton]

Hi all - I need some help! I've made 2 batches of corn / rye mix whiskey and finally have enough to fill my new 3 liter barrel. My goal is to make a good bourbon - and I have read very conflicting things about how to age in small barrels.

The two conflicting statements are below - one says to keep in new barrel for a short time - the other says to keep in new barrel for a long time.....

1. New barrels will over-oak so keep the bourbon in the barrel just for a few week - tasting frequency to get to your taste - then remove to prevent smokey flavor.

2. Bourbon in barrels age over time & breathing is critical. Thus - keep the bourbon in the barrel for a long time (a year even) - as flavors get better, and the bourbon can't breathe once you put it in a mason jar.

HELP! I have spent a long time to get enough to fill the 3 liter barrel - so don't want to screw it up!

thanks for any help - even if just the appropriate place to post this.

Luke