give me your recommendation

[defenestrate]

i just got my first barrel, its a 5 gallon that was previously used for rum. i really got it to use for more oak flavor once i've done a few beers to use up most of the rum flavors... but i'm kind of at a loss for the first couple beers to do- can you guys help me out and give your recommendation for a rum barrel aged beer to try?
thanks!

cheers

 

[Warped04]

Hrm...I've never had a rum flavored beer, but I'm thinking for some reason a Holiday Spiced Beer or a Pumpkin Beer. Maybe add a little rum to a couple of different beers as "research" and see how you react.

 

[defenestrate]

Hrm...I've never had a rum flavored beer, but I'm thinking for some reason a Holiday Spiced Beer or a Pumpkin Beer. Maybe add a little rum to a couple of different beers as "research" and see how you react.

i just had an epic fail on 10 gallons of pumpkin beer, nice infection. maybe i'll have to redeem myself

i was thinking of maybe an old/strong ale or a big IPA too...

 

[Warped04]

Old Ale might be interesting that's for sure...

 

[defenestrate]

Old Ale might be interesting that's for sure...

i think dogfish head just came out with a blended beer with an old ale and english style IPA... that might be worth trying to duplicate.

hmm..

 

[terodox]

My thought would be a nice winter warmer style ale. Something with a little spiciness to it that would compliment the rum flavor.

 

[defenestrate]

the barrel might be too much for this, but maybe i'll put a abbey single in it...

 

[corkybstewart]

I'd go with a belgian dubbel with lots of Special B. That rum raisin flavor might be perfect together.

 

[defenestrate]

I'd go with a belgian dubbel with lots of Special B. That rum raisin flavor might be perfect together.

i wanted to try a dubbel but i wanted this to be ready for xmas... not sure thats enough turn around.

i was thinking maybe try a single with all pils and a lb of d2

maybe i'll call it a 1.5

 

[corkybstewart]

It's going to be tough to much much barrel aging done in any beer and have it ready for Christmas. But you could easily have a dubbel (not a quad) into the barrel in 3 weeks giving it at least a month in the barrel, at least if you're going to keg this.

 

[defenestrate]

from reading others experience with the barrels, it sounds like they pick up flavor extremely fast the first time around, some guys only leaving the beer in the barrel for 4-5 days and racking to a secondary to have it age.

it will definitely be an interesting brew.