White Oak Needed

[xring01]

I was running low on the white oak that I bought from a guy on ebay, from Kentucky.

It was same great wood.

So I bought some more, thinking that I bought it from the same guy. I dont think I did, because the wood that I got is green.. besides that it will be good.

But I have to let it dry out for 6 months before I can use it...

I am in dire need some good White Oak, for a bourbon run... I prefer.. 1"x1"x 5-6", If anyone has some they can spare just let me know... I can pay you, or send you some of the stuff that I have once it ages properly.

While I am on this, do you of you have any experience with Red Oak. I can get plenty of it, but I really havent used it for Bourbon... I would hate to ruin a batch.

Thanks,

[rubber duck]

Do not use red oak or tan oak, it will mess up your booze. I don't have any white oak around other then in barrel form, so cant help you there.

[Irishgnome]

Xring01,

You can use red oak, but I’d make sure that it doesn’t smell like cat piss. Most red smells bad and I’m sure that it would transfer into something unpleasant. I’m sure that. Rubberduck has more knowledge on this than I do.

I have used red once and the results were good, but I’m not a seasoned Stiller. I also will add that I ordered it from a barrel manufacturer pre toasted and charred.

I have a good amount of white oak, but it needs to age for three more months for some badmos that I’m making.
I can get you once or twice used barrels and or barrel staves if you’d like. PM if you want more info.

Outside of the barrels that I can get, check this site out:

https://www.blackswanbarrels.com/shop/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I know of a few more, but this one has a good amount of info and product.

Cheers

Irish.

[Truckinbutch]

Check your local big box construction stores . This time of year they should have some half whiskey barrel planters on sale . Many will be falling apart and can be discounted .
Random orbit sander will clean the staves . Cut them to the size you want , toast and char , and you are good to go .
I'm still working off one that I got 5 years ago .

[Chucker]

I’ve used some red oak (no idea of specific variety) from trim around the yard. It works but not the same. There is more of a tannic note and astringency present. Not necessarily bad but I wanted more of a classic whisky flavor and have come to the conclusion that I’ve gone as far as I can without either barreling or sourcing a different wood. A barrel is simply out of the question so I obtained some white oak (again, no clue on specific variety) from Amazon.
I made splits and then toasted and charred as usual. The difference is amazing! Much more sweetness and no real
astringency. Just about all of last season has been sitting for about 6 months or better and is slowly rounding out and getting a better mouthfeel. I’ll leave it yet over the winter before I think about decanting and cutting. The changes that develop with time and the ebb and flow of flavor development is simply an amazing process!

[Coyote]

Up here in the north west we get a lot of white oak pallets, But I find wine barrels are easier and cut up nice to fit in gallon jars


Coyote

[frunobulax]

Check your local big box construction stores . This time of year they should have some half whiskey barrel planters on sale . Many will be falling apart and can be discounted .
Random orbit sander will clean the staves . Cut them to the size you want , toast and char , and you are good to go .
I'm still working off one that I got 5 years ago .

This is the way to go (IMO) I got mine years ago too, and it even had Old Grand Dad stamped on the head. I use an angle grinder with 24 grit sandpaper to rip it down to fresh wood quick.
The work of selecting prime oak is already done for ya.