Aging your own whiskey

[CBoukal]

Has anyone really played around with aging your own whiskey at home? There are a lot of places that sell small oak barrels for home. I know I want to get a charred one which narrows the search.

I've been reading recipe's for a port. Which would be super fun to age a whiskey AFTER that to bring in those flavors. How feasible is this and how often do you make a batch? I was thinking a 2L (68 oz) barrel. That's over 2 full 750 mL bottles.. 3L is only $5 more... But does it hurt anything if I don't fill it entirely? If not, maybe I should go 5L right out of the shoot so I don't end up buying another one..

HELP!

 

[smellysell]

My only experience with barrel aging is with beer, so not positive, but wouldn't think you'd want a lot of headspace.

Really only replied so I could post this though.

 

[2K6TBSS]

I used to have one of those small single bottle oak barrel I used to try aging some stuff. When I filled it the first time, I bought 2 of the same bottles (Buffalo Trace) so I could do a side by side comparison as it "aged". I will say it did make a noticeable difference. I don't use mine anymore.

I have also used this a few times, and it works pretty well too.

https://www.amazon.com/Viski-Refill-Sticks-Pourers-Multicolor/dp/B08FRMS2W7/ref=sr_1_7?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ctO32ki0HEyF98TJ4H-GJKdo_wtxrdHjspO0wpzew_S-apoUkaQdzTuJJLJcw-k-jt0FKEHHbMzFisIkWBAOViVJoxdBJ7wuWHsATMoiYb6EmBxdzoK_pMkkBkcquP-0hm93Cio5wwPaRoyfT3RGLWFKhnCv26jUEtAKn8mZ501LYsQ2fS4dCqsI_otHV4WFYE2vll3xgzNyF_IbHHHgWgdr4NFKmVbJRX5dxaiyOIOzmwDn0mNAmFXPWkIq4FwH1ratIn_HvrGI2K8vJCsQttie76KVW2To6KxVcc79JOA.AG6VDvadRfv4CYfC04GuQ9CHrnqkwBDcu2hd8KN4MOk&dib_tag=se&keywords=whiskey%2Baging%2Bstick&qid=1744378244&sr=8-7&th=1

 

[CBoukal]

I used to have one of those small single bottle oak barrel I used to try aging some stuff. When I filled it the first time, I bought 2 of the same bottles (Buffalo Trace) so I could do a side by side comparison as it "aged". I will say it did make a noticeable difference. I don't use mine anymore.

I have also used this a few times, and it works pretty well too.

https://www.amazon.com/Viski-Refill-Sticks-Pourers-Multicolor/dp/B08FRMS2W7/ref=sr_1_7?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ctO32ki0HEyF98TJ4H-GJKdo_wtxrdHjspO0wpzew_S-apoUkaQdzTuJJLJcw-k-jt0FKEHHbMzFisIkWBAOViVJoxdBJ7wuWHsATMoiYb6EmBxdzoK_pMkkBkcquP-0hm93Cio5wwPaRoyfT3RGLWFKhnCv26jUEtAKn8mZ501LYsQ2fS4dCqsI_otHV4WFYE2vll3xgzNyF_IbHHHgWgdr4NFKmVbJRX5dxaiyOIOzmwDn0mNAmFXPWkIq4FwH1ratIn_HvrGI2K8vJCsQttie76KVW2To6KxVcc79JOA.AG6VDvadRfv4CYfC04GuQ9CHrnqkwBDcu2hd8KN4MOk&dib_tag=se&keywords=whiskey%2Baging%2Bstick&qid=1744378244&sr=8-7&th=1

Thank you very much for the info, I really appreciate it!
Ended up pulling the trigger on an American make one that actually states "American white oak" I got a 2L one

2 Liter American Oak Baby Barrels for Aging

Our American white oak barrels are authentically handmade for aging distilled spirits or cocktails (think: Old Fashioned, Negroni, Bijou). Each barrel is made with a #3 charred interior ideal for Bourbon, Whiskey, Tequila, Brandy, Rum or even vinegar!

www.babybarrels.com

I'd excited to mess around a little bit!

 

[rbbrock]

Sounds like a fun experiment!