Oak ageing a Russian Imperial Stout

[bigrichlock]

Hello,

I'm looking at planning a couple of brews I want to do over the next couple of months and a Russian Imperial Stout is on the list.

The plan is to brew about a 75L batch at about 10-11% and then divide into 3 lots and ferment with different yeast strains 2 British yeast strains a one american , dry hop the american one, and then age for 6 months, aging one of the British yeast ones on oak chips, possibly soaked in Scotch or Whiskey?

So the question where can you buy good quality oak chips? I've had a look at the usual websites but not seen any yet?

Thanks

rich

[gr_baker]

The various homebrew shops have them in packs. I bought mine from the shop in Aldershot. They're usually chopped up bourbon casks though you can get other sorts too.

I've tried a couple of them and they work well but the taste imparted can be very strong. Use sparingly and don't leave in the beer for a long time.

Russell

[bigrichlock]

I Was looking for a better quality source if possible! I had seen the Brewpaks wine ones?

[critch]

nowt wrong with them.....clives a stickler for quality.



if you want em bourbon soaked, put em in some bourbon for a bit......

try these

http://www.vigoltd.com/oak-chips-and-granules.php

[weiht]

Go with cubes as its better for long aging. Chips have alot of surface area and may not be what u want.

Soak the cubes in whisky or whiskey for at least 2weeks to a mth, put it in a muslin bag before adding cuz it might disintegrate especially if it was chips

[smdjoachim]

I used these with some success.Just soak them in the spirit of your choice for a week.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004IQ3QJE/r ... aD.11T7T16

[bigrichlock]

I think i have found what im after and yep by the sounds of it cubes are they way forward:

http://www.stavin.com/homewines/products.htm

Now the only question is can you get them in the UK, has anyone seen them?

Rich