I’m more or less following loveofroses instructions in the barrel mimicking experiment. I have the whole pack of 8 xoakers in a 3gaL batch of melomel (he recommends 3 per gal), along with 9mL fruit enhancing liquid tannins. I might give it 3 months, but I haven’t taste tested yet.
I just racked some cider off some Xoakers but haven't tasted it yet. I too followed loveofrose's thread in the mead forum on that. 4 per gallon for 2-1/2 months.