smellody
New Member
I am the recent recipient of a 15 gallon fresh rye whiskey barrel from a local distillery. I am trying to decide what to put into it and have had a few other local brewers and homebrewers who have aged been in these barrels with varying results. These barrels are very "hot" and aging beer in them fir the first time, for a long time imparts almost 100% booze.
In conversations with my LHBS someone recommended conducting primary fermentation in the barrel. This is due to a competition we want to enter using the barrel, and a short time frame to do so. My question is:
Is there any real benefit to primary ferm in a wood barrel? I see his point, but not sure.
Can there be a downside to primary in the barrel, except having to clean the SOB out after?
In conversations with my LHBS someone recommended conducting primary fermentation in the barrel. This is due to a competition we want to enter using the barrel, and a short time frame to do so. My question is:
Is there any real benefit to primary ferm in a wood barrel? I see his point, but not sure.
Can there be a downside to primary in the barrel, except having to clean the SOB out after?