by bt1 » Wed Mar 12, 2014 6:12 am
well now that you ask :D
Non sap mangrove trunk yep the stuff crabs live in, dried piece like well dead, normal prep so 10cm long 2cm wide 1cm thick, no bark bits, medium toast. Suggest a sub batch of spirit 500ml say, and try it yourself cos it's very dry, not pungent but not soft either. It's faster than oak so try it at week 2 and then regularly after that.
On the Port and sherry strips use American oak just thinner to allow more penetration...say 6mm. A dry sherry to start with allow 2 months and throw it cos it gets real woody... = "wood soup"
Then in with another lot of sherry...I used a cream sherry to add some sweetness. Pack a jar full so none float around and just leave. Good to go after 3 months best when completely saturated... just add to a sub batch of spirit and blend that batch with your main spirit run.
same goes for port a cheap starter throw after 2 months then re fill with a better one you like.
The port goes extremely well blended into UJSM, bourbon styles. I use the sherry ones on the Irish as it's lighter and fairly dry...assists the style well.
The sherry sticks suit all but don't add much to a bolder UJSM. If your doing a lighter lower colour barley style I'd give the sherry a go in a sub batch for sure.
enjoy!
bt1