I would surely appreciate some facts/opinions

[scotty]

http://whiskylounge.hember.name/2008/01 ... -time.html

First read this blog if you will.

Well i have 3 small barrels in transit- 1--1liter and 2--5 liters.
I think something is missing from this guys ageing in small barrels idea.
I think that yes the oaking can be greatly increased by using small barrels or just oak chips also.
but doesnt time have a great deal to do with whatever happens to whiskeys when in the barrel for years??

Any input will be of great help.

[GSC]

Good question. Would the increased surface area of whiskey (as in, more wood touching smaller amounts of liquid) increase the aging process?

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

I aged some young 3 yo whiskey for only 4-5 months and circa 40% of the contents evapourated. I know it did not leak as I checked it regularly and had placed paper under it and there were not leak stains. I used a 1l oak keg, seasoned it with Amontillado sherry which did add to the whiskey. Certainly changed the whiskey but initially was way too woody. Left it for a while and the woodiness receded but still evident. So the idea of not leaving it too long is also very true.

Basically the tiny size of 1l & 5l casks not neccessairly need too much time in the cask to change the charachter of the whiskey whether it gets the complexity and smoothness of many years in a larger cask is debatable. However leaving your spirit for a very long period in small casks may leave it un palatable.


It really is a matter of checking the taste every month as you proceed.

[scotty]

i have been thinking of only one month to test--but again i wouldnt know good from bad-- ill have to find some locals to test it.