time for ageing with oak sticks

[redwitch]

Hi. i am new in the game, and trying hard... Have you any tips about the minimum time for ageing, and what is the average number of weeks or months you would let the likker resting with oak sticks. . it colours quickly in the bottles, but what about the taste? thanks for help.

[StuNY]

6 months minimum, 9 months max for me.

[Irishgnome]

I say 6 months min.
Max is up to you. Keep sampling it until you’re happy.
I have some HBB that has been sitting with two sticks for right around three years. It tastes amazing!

Cheers
Irish

[Expat]

Key point right there, "keep sampling"

Things will depend on how much wood you use, how large the jar is, fresh oak or reused staves, etc. So keep sampling is the key.

[Beerswimmer]

I don't even sample anymore until 6 months, then try to wait 6 more before the next sample if everything is going well.

[Saltbush Bill]

As with most things distilling there are a heap of variables.
Wood type, toast or char level, product type ( home made toasted sticks, dominos as sold by SD and other commercial sellers, spirals or other commercially available oak products, ) climatic conditions. All do and will play a part. One rule of thumb that stands true, less oak for longer is better than a lot of oak for a short time.

[Beerswimmer]

One rule of thumb that stands true, less oak for longer is better than a lot of oak for a short time.

Truth!

[NZChris]

20 years is good. viewtopic.php?f=44&t=55301
Have a look at this thread too. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38991

[VLAGAVULVIN]

One rule of thumb that stands true, less oak for longer is better than a lot of oak for a short time.

That's true! And try to change it replacing from the mostly rustic and charred to a finer (maybe wine-soaked) at the finish.