whiskey in a barrel??

by **rzayas1** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:05 pm

Over the years, I have collected well over 10 bottles of Chivas Regal. I've never had a taste for whiskey (hence the collection!) but I've been told to take all the whiskey and pour it in a barrel. After a year or two the whiskey would be much more pleasant to drink. Is this true or will I be ruining good whiskey?

Many thanks,
Robert

by **MGillespie** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:12 pm

Unless it's a small barrel, I figure you'll lose more to evaporation than you'll gain from the wood contact.

Mark

by **Frodo** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:23 pm

Razayas1:

I think someone's pulling your leg. Stupid advice (or funny depending on how you look at it).

by **Aidan** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:12 am

A good barrel will cost a lot of money. You'd also need about 190 more bottles to fill it.

by **MGillespie** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:21 am

I had the same feeling that someone was pulling a fast one here, but figured I'd try to give him a straight answer anyway...

by **Lawrence** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:21 am

and if the barrel has been empty for a while it will leak.

by **Lord_Pfaffin** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:01 am

I didn't know that Chivas Bros. made any good whisky ever!
You may have to lick the bottom a barrell to get the taste out of your mouth after drinking the swill.

by **Admiral** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:23 am

It is possible to buy 10 litre barrels, made from quality oak, from many outlets here around Sydney. Their appeal is precisely what is being asked of here......the ability to pour your preferred beverage (port / whisky / sherry / whatever) in and start a form of vatting, whilst actually continuing a real maturation process with the wood.

The suggestion doesn't strike me as stupid or a joke. How effective it would be with multiple bottles of Chivas Regal is questionable, but the theory sounds fine to me. (Again, assuming it was a 10 litre barrel or similar size).

I didn't know that Chivas Bros. made any good whisky ever!

Very harsh and inaccurate comment there, Lord P. Had you said "Chivas Regal", I'd agree with you 100%, but you did say Chivas Bros., and since they were responsible for producing two of the best malts I've ever tasted (private bottlings of Glen Grant and Glenlivet respectively), I must object! :wink:

Cheers,
Admiral

by **Paul A Jellis** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:57 pm

I have a small port barrel which was bought in Australia, I have been using for whisky for several years. It will never produce great whisky, but it does improve some not-so-good bottles.

Cheers

Paul

by **Admiral** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:58 pm

Ah, good to hear, Paul, thank you!

Cheers,
Admiral

by **Deactivated Member** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:06 pm

I thought Australians had starboard barrels....

(All right, that's quite enough, Mr T! I am now whacking myself over the head with a newspaper.

)

by **Deactivated Member** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:16 am

Not legally whisky, in Scotland anyway, but that in itself doesn't mean it isn't worth drinking.

by **Lawrence** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 1:32 am

Or good for lots of BBQ sauce.

by **MGillespie** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 3:29 am

Or removing the grease and rust from a BBQ grill...

by **Lawrence** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 3:53 am

Yes, good point.