oak spirals

[CH3CH2OH]

Has anyone used these before?

I know there is the issue of a large amount of end grain exposed compared to other profiles, but wondering if anyone has tried them.

spirals.jpg

[Zak Griffin]

There was discussion a couple of months back about 'whiskey elements' which look similar... As you say, a lot of end grain = a lot of colour and flavor quickly...

[CH3CH2OH]

Yeah, holy quick color.

Deep golden color in 5 days. I used one 30g chunk in 5 litres and am really surprised on how quick it colored up.

Still tastes really young!! Should be real good in 6 months though.

I'm wondering if I should pull it out and put 1/2 the piece back in if it colored up that quick

[1 2many]

I believe those spirals and whisky elements where designed to give a bit of boost of character to already oaked spirits, I don't think it will be any good for long term aging .

Just keep an eye on it see how it goes. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[CH3CH2OH]

It was all I had!!

I have lots of 3/4 x 3/4 x 6 pieces of oak but was given the big "NO F***ING WAY ARE YOU TOASTING OAK INSIDE THE HOUSE" and at -20' C I wasn't going to fire up the BBQ to toast outside.

[1 2many]

It was all I had!!

I have lots of 3/4 x 3/4 x 6 pieces of oak but was given the big "NO F***ING WAY ARE YOU TOASTING OAK INSIDE THE HOUSE" and at -20' C I wasn't going to fire up the BBQ to toast outside.

-20 c outside buggar that. :scared-eek:

The problem is the spiral is made with an all end grain cut that is not desirable for aging spirit, it is better to have pieces that are long with the grain basically saying that the piece of wood should have the smallest surface airier of end grain if that make any sense, for long term aging.

[Zak Griffin]

Or send her outside? Toasting oak smells delicious!

[CH3CH2OH]

Maybe I'll send her for groceries and beg for forgiveness when she gets back!!

Weather is warming up this week so might try the BBQ.

[bt1]

NO F***ING WAY

hey I live here too
or
Felax, it'll be over in no time
or
geez got be better than that xxx you cooked last week
or
nod politely and just get on with it


Not so helpful
bt1

[CH3CH2OH]

lol

I may wear the pants in my house but she wears the lingerie if you get my drift!!!

Pulled the spirals out and am going to try toasting this weekend

[the Doctor]

I got sent a stack of these spirals to try a couple of years ago... and boy do they work...the bar has never been warmer...the wood stove loved them... They extract very quickly and very coarsely...as I descrided them at the time to the supplier they were " all tannin and no class"...lots of colour and a coarse astringency which you only seem to get with coarse end grain oak... do yourself a favour and make a lamp base out of them...they look quite fetching varnished.
Cheers.
Doc

[CH3CH2OH]

Thanks Doc

I knew I shouldn't use them

I figured the high end grain ratio would result in a lot of negative tannins and yes the astringency is becoming apparent even at 5 days.

Looking forward to toasting up some oak this weekend.

[the Doctor]

Thanks Doc

I knew I shouldn't use them

I figured the high end grain ratio would result in a lot of negative tannins and yes the astringency is becoming apparent even at 5 days.

Looking forward to toasting up some oak this weekend.

Yeah mate they tasted really woody and dry to me... I can see why they are doing it as the surface area is really great for such a small length... but all that end grain is the problem.
Cheers
Doc