Aging, or maturation, is a process used to impart aroma and flavour from wood barrels into the spirit. Furthermore, the process helps to alleviate the harsh alcohol flavour. Typical aging of spirits calls for the spirits to be stored for lengthy periods of time in barrels, however, home distillers can replicate this process on a smaller scale by using barrel oak chips. In this post we will look at ageing spirits at home – both dark spirits produced from a pot still and neutral spirit.
Dark spirits from a pot still
Whether you have produced a rum from molasses, whisky from malt or brandy from juice, the spirit produced from the pot still will have an understated flavour and limited to no colour. The process of aging the spirit on oak will create a much deeper flavour profile and colour the spirit. There are a range of processes that can be employed for aging spirits at home, however, this is just one process to try for smaller batches. The spirit is put on oak at a higher ABV % and slowly watered down over time.
In a demijohn place your desired oak chips and 4L of spirit at around 60-65% ABV. Depending on the oak being used, 10-25g of chips will be used per litre of spirit. View our range of oak chips here. Allow the spirit to age for at least 3 months before diluting. Slowly water the spirit to an ABV of 40% over the following 3-12 months. During that time the spirit can be sampled. Sampling will help to develop an understanding of the ageing process and the flavours that develop.
Neutral Spirits
Oak chips can really transform your neutral spirit. You can use only oak or a mix of both oak and essence to flavour your spirit. The length of time the neutral spirit will age on oak chips is dependent on the drinker. In the case where oak and essences are being used smaller quantities of both can be used.
In a demijohn place your chosen oak chips and 4L of neutral spirit. Depending on the oak being used, 10-25g of chips will be used per litre of spirit. Increase this quantity for a deeper flavour. Allow the neutral spirit to age on the chips for 7-10 days. Sample the spirit during the aging process to ensure you reach your desired flavour. Aging length can also be increased for a deeper flavour.
Ageing spirits at home
Ageing spirits at home allows home brewers to replicate a traditional process, while enjoy a matured, full flavoured spirit. Neutral spirit brewers would benefit from playing with the above process and altering it to fit their own taste. Check out Still Spirits for a range of information on spirit making and ageing spirits.