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I am in the process of ordering a Gibbs 3 gal charred keg for my UJSSM and Sweet Feed white dog. I seldom will have 3 gals to age at a time; I would likely age between 1 and 2 gallons most times. Is there any rule of thumb as to the optimal level in a keg. Would there be a problem or concerns if aging as little as 1 gal in a 3 gal keg. Any thoughts/suggestions much appreciated.

BG

not to good,more evaporation and chance of barrel shrinkage..
so id fill the barrel then add the same as i removed.
remove a quart/liter add a quart/liter

Thanks, I believe it may be better for me to just order a 2 gal Keg. The main problem for me is determining the optimal aging time. I've read here that everything being equal the aging period should increase as the no. of aging cycles in the keg increases (for example - 3 months for a brand new keg, 4 months for the 2rd round, etc)
Does any know if a bung is included or is the hole pre-drilled with the keg, I don't see that on their site.


Thanks,
BG

Yes it's drilled and a bung is included. You can have a tap included to.

I have some 2 gallon barrels and they're not good until you use them 3 times. After that they're striped out and you add chips. I wouldn't buy a 2 gallon barrel, the only reason I have them is I got them for 25 bucks.

I would do like Dunder says and buy a larger barrel, fill it, and as you take off a couple of quarts put in a couple. You don't have to drink it all at once when you take it out of the keg, you can leave it on glass, it's not like it's going to go bad.

Not disagreeing with any one here, but I find that sometimes a smaller barrel can be handy. I have 5 gal, 2 1/2 gal, 1 1/4 gal and use them all. Like Dnder says though what ever size, ya need to have it full. If a 2 gal fits your needs better than get it.

boda getta wrote:The main problem for me is determining the optimal aging time. I've read here that everything being equal the aging period should increase as the no. of aging cycles in the keg increases (for example - 3 months for a brand new keg, 4 months for the 2rd round, etc)

Thanks,
BG

Depending on the char ya get figure initially about 1 month/gal, but start checkin a little early. Dilute down to 20-30% to check. Normally I add about a month for each use but that can be subjective. I've used up to five times and then just add sticks after that.

Big R

Those two gallon barrels are handy. You will get a handful of batches thru it before its ready for long term aging. My experience is that the whiskey will get dark and oaky very quickly when its new. Just put that into glass and work on the next batches. It you mash and ferment regularly, it won't be hard to keep a two gallon barrel full.

Update. Gibbs are out of stock on the 2 gal kegs and know when they will do a run. Any other recommendations on good quality kegs besides Gibbs?

Thanks,
BG

Barrel mill makes a good barrel.

Just my humble opinion...

but the gibbs is worth waiting for.

You can build up some stock while you wait...

junkyard dawg wrote:Just my humble opinion...

but the gibbs is worth waiting for.

You can build up some stock while you wait...

I have to agree with you Gibbs is the best, and it is worth the wait. But if your not going to wait the barrel mill is the only alternative I've used that I liked, they're less expensive also.

Whatever you decide to do don't go out and buy a cheep barrel, you've put to much effort into your product.

I've seen barrel mills work but I haven't used one. I believe that they do quality work tho. They make the fancy spirals that do a great job flavoring.

Dnderhead wrote:not to good,more evaporation and chance of barrel shrinkage..
so id fill the barrel then add the same as i removed.
remove a quart/liter add a quart/liter

I like that idea of the solera system.

King Of Hearts wrote:

Dnderhead wrote:not to good,more evaporation and chance of barrel shrinkage..
so id fill the barrel then add the same as i removed.
remove a quart/liter add a quart/liter

I like that idea of the solera system.

+1, and if you need to you can oak on chips in glass containers and when you get enough transfer to the barrel, then use the solera system rotating so everything gets in the barrel. Once your collection gets larger then invest in another barrel.

I talked to a guy that owns a distillery and he uses the solera system for is absinthe which is rated one of the best in the US. He draws 2/3rds out of his aging vessel (stainless steel with absinthe) always leaving 1/3rd in the vessel. This allows the new product added to smooth faster, once you get a good rotation processes you never have to wait.

I have a full 5 gal barrel ageing as we speak. A once used barrel from a texas distillery, Balcones.
check this link if interested
http://www.brockshomebrew.com/cgi/comme ... n&key=1093" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Sorry i just noticed that their out of stock