spiral infusion sticks

[rawdawg1952]

Cannot get white oak in extreme s. ga. Every kinda oak in the world except white. Cannot follow T Pee method in the archives. just ordered some medium toast whit oak spirals.Anyone use these? They are 8" x 1". How much per gallon?

[Bushman]

I haven't used them but are these the ones your talking about?
http://www.infusionspiral.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

At the ADI conference these got some nice reviews:

http://www.blackswanbarrels.com/honey-c ... ternative/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Michaeln416]

I've stopped using those spirals after experimenting with them for a while. In my experience they expose far too much of the end grain and therefore release far too much tannins for my palate. You could try soaking them in boiling water for a while to help soften the blow.

[rawdawg1952]

thanks guys. I will check out all the options that you have mentioned. I received a private message that also recommended charred oak sticks from StillDragon.com that are easy on the wallet

[goblin]

i used the once so far, 2.5 inches per gallon. for six weeks. sure made my white dog better.
just my 2 cents. i should have gotten charred also

[Hound Dog]

I use Jack Daniels barrel chunks sold for use on the smoker. The chunks split up into nice size sticks to use in a quart jar for aging. Toast them or use as they are. Just my $.01.

[rager]

im using them as well. with good results. I use about a one inch piece per quart. it will color up fast so watch it. I also reuse them . the second use of them will take a little longer and the color is lighter. I actually prefer the second use over the first(lighter color, lighter flavor). so know what im doing is I have a quart jar that I put used one in that has rum in it. it will season the spirals. I also have gotten into charing them with a torch. all and all I think you will be happy. I would like to get my hands on some white oak but I haven't been looking all that hard since these are working out.


rager

[Ramen Tamer]

About those oak adjuncts from stilldragon...How are they charred? Are they charred at all? What level of toasting are they?

I guess I'm basically asking if I need to toast and char them myself, as I don't see an option on the website to select the level of toastiness.

Edit: I guess the same questions apply to the honeycombs from Black Swan. Are they ready to go out of the package or do I need to do some fine tuning?

Thanks!

[Bushman]

About those oak adjuncts from stilldragon...How are they charred? Are they charred at all? What level of toasting are they?

I guess I'm basically asking if I need to toast and char them myself, as I don't see an option on the website to select the level of toastiness.

Edit: I guess the same questions apply to the honeycombs from Black Swan. Are they ready to go out of the package or do I need to do some fine tuning?

Thanks!

Can't speak to stilldragon but the Black Swan honeycombs are ready from the package. If you want to char more it is an easy process. I use the BBQ but some use an oven and we have several threads on the process.

[Ramen Tamer]

Awesome, thanks!

They don't suffer from the end grain oak issues, like the spirals, do they?

I just bought a bunch of spirals before I read all the problems with them, and I'd rather not end up in the same boat.

Cheers!

[DAD300]

I have real trouble with this end grain "issue". No one, can cut the staves for a barrel so straight that the don't expose end grain from top to bottom.

I use the JD Smoker Chips (I re-toast them in the oven, 420F for 20-30 min) and I age Cherry in my yard, split it into sticks, toast, to fit in glass juggs.

[chambersranch]

I use the medium spirals, but I char them with a torch, then boil them till the water colors up a bit then put them in a galon jug at 2.5 inches. Depending on what you like is how long you leave them. A gallon will turn golden in 6-8 days! Hope this helps.

[Halfbaked]

Not exactly what you are looking for but exactly what you are looking for. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/26 ... in-24-hour" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[MisplacedTime]

I use the medium toasted oak spirals and have had excellent results. My first attempt without charring them had some tanning issues. However, since I had bought enough to last me for awhile I retried them after slightly charring and soaking in water for 2-3 hours. That solved the problem and all my aged whiskey have colored up and tasted heavenly ever since.