Adding Dilution after Aging

[Damifino]

All,
I have made, what I consider, an excellent brandy from yard Mangoes from around the neighborhood. I have made a number of other grain spirits in the past with limited success. They have generally been okay but not the premier spirit that I want to make and share with friends.

So this Mango spirit has been aging in a new 2 liter charred American white oak barrel for only a couple of weeks. It went into the barrel @ 124 proof. The color now is a light honey. In just a few weeks the initial smack of high proof alcohol has mellowed out considerably and has kind of a pleasant caramel undertone from the oak that wasn't there originally. The finish flavor has been quite good straight from the worm with the mango still identifiably present.

I will likely dilute and bottle it in a week or two. But... have ruined other decent runs before by thinking just a little more of something will be better... where I should have stopped.

I have never liked my whiskey better after dilution than the flavors prior. Is there a preferred source for spring water for dilution? Also, I generally just dilute down to a desired proof. Should I instead add water slowly and taste it as it goes? Just stop where it tastes good regardless of proof?

I like it a lot, a really lot, at 124, maybe I should not mess with it at all. Don't want to snatch defeat from the arms of success. This is definitely one I will share with friends.

Any advice is welcome!

[jonnys_spirit]

That ABV is too high for drinking but I'm with you - the flavor is usually better (more concentrated) IMO before dilution. I use distilled water and give it some time. Drinking that high ABV will damage your mouth, tongue, and throat...

Cheers!
-jonny

[Saltbush Bill]

Dilute a small quantity first to see if you like the end result.
No need to do the whole 2 L at once.

[Damifino]

So spring water or distilled? Does it matter?

[Saltbush Bill]

Bottled spring water or distilled shouldnt make much difference in my opinion....Im never that fussy....just use rainwater from my tank.

[kimbodious]

I use bottled spring water. When I am comparing different spirits or blends or ageing methods what I diluted with is not a variable.

[NZChris]

Spring water often contains minerals that contribute to haze. RO water is mineral free.

[still_stirrin]

...RO water is mineral free.

+1.

R.O. is perfect, especially when you have a reverse osmosis filter in your home!
ss