measuring alcohol content after aging

[jord4231]

Hi all I know if you use essence or anything with sugar in it you won't get a accurate reading on the alcometer. So how do you go when you age in a barrel or chips reading the alcohol content. Reason I ask about 7 years ago when I started this hobby I put aside 12l of spirit in glass with some oak chips in it. I forgot about it compleatly until now but have no memory of what % the spirit was when I put it in. If I measure it now will it be a correct reading? Cheers :obscene-drinkingdrunk:

[BIG D]

Yes mate providing nothing else was added a alcometer will read correctly let us know how it tastes after dilution and no tap water. :naughty:

[vqstatesman]

wish I could forget about a stash for that long :)

[fizzydrink]

Is there a way to tell if you have added stuff?

[1 2many]

Is there a way to tell if you have added stuff?

Not sure what you mean there fizzy :teasing-tease:

[jord4231]

Nothing has been added, so far it smells like very high % woody grog Ill post some pics and results soon!
Its very unlike me to forget but found it in a box from 2 house moves ago before I brought my own house packed with some old vhs movies how strange ! :text-imwithstupid:

[1 2many]

If you aged in a sealed glass jar so that the spirit couldn't breath then it probably will smell woody and taste like it too.

[fizzydrink]

Sorry 1 2, jumping betweem various things.
Once u have added essence or sugar or whatever to your booze, is there a way to find the abv of the end product?

Cheers!

[jord4231]

Very good question always wondered! doesn't aging in wood add wood sugars ? that sounds silly :obscene-drinkingdrunk: sorry mother in laws here and I've had a few too many brews

[res]

Time on oak definitely adds sweetness among other things not sure if it's enough to mess with the readings. :think: You could try measuring a bottle of a known whisky, something from the shop and see if it matches the label?

[jord4231]

I'll give it ago some one brought me some store brought as a gift Ill post the results

[jord4231]

ok guys results are in I'm calling store brought Jim Beam 36% at 21º according to my alcohol meter.
SO I guess wooding shouldn't affect the results like sugar will