Aging single malt whisky in a 5 lts barrel

[MadAlche]

Hi All !

I have 4 lts of a single malt whisky aging for 4 months so far in a brand new 5 lts oak barrel. I think it is getting too much wood-oak flavor ( at least to my palate) but it is not smooth enough to enjoy drinking.

I have diluted it from 65 % to 55 % proof to try to get less tannins extraction but I don´t know if this way it is going to avoid getting too much wood flavor until it is ready to enjoy.

The barrel is at a 68 F temp in an average wet room. I was thinking to take this whisky out of the barrel to pour it into a glass growler and let its lid loose.

What do you guys advise me ?

Thanks for your time

Many greetings from Argentina