Can You Age Whiskey at Home? Adding Wood to Your Whiskey!

So we got this kit from barrel char wood and decided to do a little experiment. Can we make cheap whiskey taste more expensive? Can we make young whiskey taste older? Can we make great whiskey better?
Go check out Barrel Char Wood:
www.barrelcharw...
25% off Liquid IV (Recovery and Hydration... Perfect for Tuesdays):
glnk.io/koyv/b...
Need Copyright Free Audio:
www.epidemicso...
Bourbon Junkies Merch:
www.bourbonjunk...
Join us for Behind the Scenes on Patreon:
/ bourbonjunkies
Follow us on instagram:
/ bourbonjunkies
Join us on Facebook:
/ 2040101716104283
Email us:
[e-mail]
#Whiskey #Bourbon #WhiskeyTube

[@thebeerbaron2758]

Ancient Age about to go on secondary for 59.99 with a bundle of sticks at liquor stores. 🤣

[@enricojaun2880]

Sad but so true

[@H.P.Clodcraft]

I was given a 3 liter oak barrel to age spirits in for Father's Day. I filled with with port wine and let it sit in my garage for a couple months (July and August). I then dumped it and refilled it with standard Buffalo Trace for a month (Sept. 5th- Oct 5th). 3 bottles went in and about 2 1/2 came out and it turned into something special according to the handful of people I've given samples to.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yea I have a 5L barrel I want to do this with. I was thinking about a wine finished early times.

[@Nickcib01]

I love how you did it all in one video. I know some do it in multiple videos, but I always forget about it. Well done gentlemen!!

[@davidfuston5415]

I used to give my brother all the crappy whiskey I bought, cuz he doesn't have taste buds. Now he's moving to another state. Thanks for a great new idea on what to do with it!

[@photo4fun]

I took 3L of Benchmark and put it in a 5L charred barrel for 10 months. Came out way darker, and lots more flavor. Only 1.75 Liters was left. Was fun.

[@BuffaloTrace602]

Was thinking of doing this same thing today. Wish me luck!

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Stagg Jr. is so hard to find here...that hurt my soul a little. Looks like a fun experiment, though. Too bad you lose 40% of the liquid when Dan pours.

[@todds6048]

One bourbon that I can't get my pallet in favor of is Stagg Jr. It just always tastes so overwhelmingly hot, that I can't taste any complexity in there. Booker's is almost the same proof, but IMHO far more complex. I need to give Stagg Jr. another go. My first bottle just didn't do it for me.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@todds6048 I've only had a sample of Bookers, but it didn't do it for me. I just don't think the Beam profile is something I like. I'm 0-3 on Beam products.

[@todds6048]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo ... this is why it's so cool to try different things. Pallets vary drastically sometimes, and we need to try for ourselves. I've committed to several bottles that just didn't work for my pallet.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@todds6048 I'm still pretty new to whisky, but I've only had two bottles of bourbon I regret buying - Legent and Old Grandad 101 - though the entry level Bulleit was no joy either. But I'm enjoying everything else and have a few standouts I'll be buying regularly.

[@todds6048]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo ... Very cool! What I've found out is that I really enjoy barrel proof Whiskeys. I feel that anything that's been watered down by the distiller to make the batch go farther, simplifies the whiskey. I like to control my destiny with water or an ice cube. Sometimes... I really just like it neat. I've found that I don't like Jefferson stuff too much. Nor do I care for Angels Envy. I've never tried the barrel proof AE, but the standard stuff is just meh, because again... they water it down. Similar to The Bourbon Junkies... I REALLY like the stuff I've tasted from MGP. Valentine's Mayor Pingree 10 year is high on my list.

[@davewiechert2731]

I have done this with a few different whiskey's. It really is an interesting way to take a lesser quality liquor and add a lot flavor and complexity.

[@toddtrent1973]

Proof is in the Spilling of every pour 😂😂😂 Great video fellas.

[@Iron_Polar_Bear]

I firmly believe you guys should’ve taken something like Woodford Double Oak or OF 1910, or any other sweeter double barreled whiskey, and added the sugar maple to it. Probably tastes like diabetes in a glen.

[@thatoneguy454c]

I did it with some white lightning. Let it age for 45 days before trying it and the result was shockingly delicious.

[@ericflowers2146]

My buddy put a couple staves in a jar of tim Smith moonshine 2 years ago. It is some of the best stuff I've ever tried.

[@rodanielsut]

What i am excited about is Ancient Age is my favorite whiskey, and I am adding it at the moment.

[@jtraten]

Just bought the small sample kit after watching. I think I'm gonna do the sugar maple in a bottle of old forester 86 and the white oak in four Rose's small batch

[@brandonpriest6567]

How did they turn out?

[@MrRossman2]

"What is that? Six inches . . ." Dan's wife must have been really disappointed.

[@didxogns1]

Dan's pour is so adorable. I probably would have my mouth open right under the table when he pours to get all the goodness lolol

[@jamessocal8946]

Might have to try this. I definitely have bottles that aren’t bad, but just sit and sit because they aren’t quite to the level of so many others.

[@BubblebathBourbon]

B-roll on POINT

[@johnlassiter937]

Wow, I’m probably going to try this myself after watching this and the results, especially with ancient age. Side note: tried AA based on somebodies review stating it was a poor mans Blantons. Whoa! Not even close! Like 400% away. So adding wood for two weeks can only improve a very weak whiskey! Thanks guys!

[@Pondhopper101]

Gonna have to give it a shot. Thanks for the video BJs

[@gmpompa0]

I soaked home charred, toasted american white oak cubes in some fruity/funky Jamaican rums then drained them to add some Bulliet Rye (cheap, MGP, Decent age). Going to let it sit for 2 weeks. You can do finished stuff easy and it takes away some of that fresh cut wood flavor.

[@brandonh5002]

Best video in a long time. Need to iron out the scientific method though. Thanks guys, amazing!

[@dillonmartin2891]

If you take 1 part Larceny C923 and 2 parts Maker's Mark Cast Strength and add a Charred Oak Spiral for 5 days to a week it is AMAZING

[@markmireles3394]

This has to be one of your best shows, by at least 6 inches!

[@Mazimo]

Looks like a ton of fun. I did this with mini barrels a few years back but this looks a whole lot easier

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yea it's wildly easier

[@jaimefernandezjr8328]

Definitely trying this!

[@bluejayway6125]

Very fun episode

[@ChadWinters]

I often add a few drops of bitters to a boring whiskey, which can be amazingly helpful, also a few drops of Laphroaig can save a lot of bland whiskeys

[@zman7953]

Fun Experiment To Watch...Good Results.....Gotta Pull The Trigger On Some Wee Beastie.....Cheers Junkie's

[@steveszymanski2962]

I really liked it when Sean said "I get it in the end"

[@christophergalarneau3682]

I'm inspired! Thanks guys!

[@ejbsee6081]

"Whiskey in the Jar" is a traditional Irish song circa 17 century, i applaud you👏

[@LiveHealthyWealthy]

I'll take Metallica's version! Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da!

[@ejbsee6081]

@@LiveHealthyWealthy I like Gaelic Storms rendition myself

[@michaelvileikis402]

Aging Evan William BIB is really good. It is a great starting point with a good proof. The taste difference after 2 weeks is always noticeable. I have also used WT 101. I found EW BIB works better.

[@michaelvileikis402]

Also, you can buy charred corkscrew shaped staves that have more surface area.

[@jeffreyrollins3915]

This looks so fun. I gotta try it!

[@BourbonJunkies]

For sure some trial and error in this to be had.

[@drinkthegoodstuff]

This video was awesome! Might have to order this kit!

[@forrestgump5942]

Guys, just purchased a bottle of Old Carter 13 yr American whiskey...139 proof, its very nice, have you all tried it yet?

[@kjackson7223]

Absolutely great alternative content... Possibly some samples for super chat wins in the future (of the good... No tricks please)

[@lexwaldez]

I love you goofy savages. Keep on keeping on.

[@brandon_sprague]

The Stagg Jr in the original sugar maple would have turned out so good

[@musicmymusic2323]

Interesting, thanks

[@borbacymbals7331]

7:50 Sean should start a channel called Mash and Drum! IImparting wood character into finished beer is done similarly. Wood chips and spirals have increased surface area. Maybe aging time could be reduced? That said 2 weeks is not long at all. Cool product/experiment!

[@BourbonJunkies]

I think the proof matters a lot for aging time.

[@olmanconway4633]

I've been doing this for years. One of my favorites is Evan Williams with medium and dark toasted oak chips.

[@davidgunn1163]

How much do you put in bottle would you say?

[@muhill02]

@@davidgunn1163 did you ever experiment with the chips and how many per quart or bottle etc..? i just bought a bag of heavy tasted and medium toasted american oak and a bottle of Evan Williams Bottled in Bond to try this all out with. So i'm trying to find some figures on "how much of the chips to use per quart jar" Good luck!

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Thanks for another great video guys! I was SO waiting for you to try this! Did you guys do an episode yet with mini-barrels? I have one, but it seems there are pretty mixed results using them...

[@BourbonJunkies]

Not yet, we plan too.

[@brianegan8260]

I’ve purchased and am going to try it out.

[@BourbonJunkies]

It's for sure fun to make some stuff

[@belbivdebove8221]

Need to try this with Early Times BiB

[@BourbonJunkies]

I've got a barrel I might try this with and some early times

[@556.45]

Dan, get us an affiliate link for that flannel

[@SA12String]

This looks like so much fun. What would you put in a bone-stock Buffalo Trace, or how could I improve this Jack Daniels black label we've had sitting around for 2 years?

[@ChaoticEnigma]

Fun video!! Looks like you guys are ready to distill your own bourbon next.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Dan will blow us up

[@ChaoticEnigma]

@@BourbonJunkies I take that as a yes...I smell a Bourbon Junkie Cigar Blend bourbon coming up in the near future 🤣

[@lonewanderer3603]

I have an experiment for you. There's a product, it's a funnel with a filter, that's made to separate water from gasoline. I wonder if you could pour whiskey through it and turn anything into cask strength. If it seperates the oils, then that would suck, but if it works, I could finally know what cask strength Eagle Rare tastes like. I expect your video sometime next week. Thanks.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Uhmmm hard guess here but no. I don't think alcohol will make it through those filters either. Been wrong before though.

[@lonewanderer3603]

@@BourbonJunkies Gasoline contains ethanol. Ethanol makes it through. Anything with smaller molecules than water should go through.

[@ryanlenton9501]

Just found your channel and I'm loving it! The price differences between the US and here in Australia is so different, US is so cheap. ☹️ Amazing work though!! 🤠

[@BourbonJunkies]

Well sorry for the prices, but happy to have you here!

[@ryanlenton9501]

All good guys! Big fan of the channel now! And also very jealous of your availability on even the basic stuff! 😉

[@bgj2940]

I know I'm late.... But what I've found works best is "age" half a bottle of something... Then mix/marry it with the untampered 1/2. Let it marry for two more weeks and OMG.

[@BourbonJunkies]

I'll have to try that!

[@chrisbuzulencia1774]

Great video my money's on Ancient age

[@BourbonJunkies]

It's not half bad now

[@Joc1155]

I want to do this so bad now lol

[@awsomenesscaleb]

You should try it with Japanese whiskey. Some of that stuff isn't even a year old now.

[@Mazimo]

The more I thought about this, I am for sure going to try this with a Rye. A toasted french oak with a young spicy rye sounds perfect. Did they give you guys a code to use or anything so they know we saw this here?

[@BourbonJunkies]

No we didn't have an affiliate link with them

[@Mazimo]

@@BourbonJunkies I'll just name drop you guys somewhere when I'm on their etsy site

[@tscherer7542]

Very entertaining, Guys! Tho gots to question the decision making around adding MORE wood to Stagg Jr. - that one already has the flavor and fire. along similar lines I’ve been trying to covert a 5yr Mckenzie wheater barrel proof into a WLW for some months now, but alas the young corn keeps peaking through the profile. Just dropped in some more triple toasted white oak- smelled like marshmellows coming out of the toaster oven😁fingers crossed... BTW Sean, chemists rock! Get yourself some graduated cylinders if you haven’t done so already, and youll be set for some serious (& reproducible if you take notes) blending fun!

[@BourbonJunkies]

We've got one in the hut I could use, I'm more along the lines of randomly pour things together.

[@tscherer7542]

I point out the blending, as thats another common & consumer accessible approach to improving whiskey. I’ve found that it works best if you start off with good booze, and just try to improve on the flavor profile of individual components- i suppose that is the essential artform of small batch blending... try it out sometime on the show!

[@MrTophr]

Can't find EJ Toasted Barrel anywhere, guess I'll just have to make my own... Cheers!

[@treytedrick1672]

"Chemist" lol might have to try the Russels

[@williamfleming2918]

The better option is to use bad whiskey to make cordials. Atholbrose, bainnecor, bammel, or a fruit and spice mixture willl give you a pleasant and potent drink. However, you should never use white sugar. Us honey, jaggery, or turbinado sugar and use only half as much sugar as the recipe calls for. Whiskey, even bad whiskey, has a lot of malt sweetness hiding behind the burn.

[@MrFurious176]

Neat!

[@ChrisDominey]

Love how the ten yeared engine ear was using air quotes on the chemist. Question, you guys bring up the Turkey/Russel's funk, can you elaborate on what that "funk" is? I have a bottle of WT101 that's finally tasting enjoyable, but it was just harsh and hot at first. Thanks.

[@BourbonJunkies]

The best way to explain it would be like saying the old forester banana. It's something slot of their products have, where in the case for Russel's and turkey products it's more of a meaty nuttiness about it.

[@ryanmiyata4813]

I often use jamon as a descriptor for the meaty nuttiness.

[@LibertyNotLicense]

Very cool! I just started thinking about doing this with a bottle of Cleveland Underground the last few days Now I know which source to purchase from! Also... #HireChemistSean

[@MulchMan88]

Have you guys ever tried fatwashing a spirit? Same concept as buttered rum or like bacon fat infusion.

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Ain't nothing wrong with Scotch 🥃, Sean. You gotta diversify, dude.😃 Be flexible🥨 and open-minded🧠 At least Dan didn't choose Malort for this experiment 😂

[@BourbonJunkies]

Go watch our cocktail video, Dan likes to get wild with scotch.

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

@@BourbonJunkies I remember that one. I love Scotch but, I know enough not to make an Old Fashioned with an Islay. LMAOWTIME's watching it again 😂🤣. Watching Dan's expression right before you tasted that abomination, I thought you were going to 🤮. A Lowland or a Speyside may have worked, though.

[@haldendoerge]

Well, had to buy a few of those, cuz why on earth not?

[@brandonhenry8377]

Sean is a modern-day Archimedes Dan is the new Hunter S Thompson

[@TirelessGod]

Mellow Corn really should have been in a jar ;)

[@BourbonJunkies]

It really should have...

[@LiveHealthyWealthy]

@@BourbonJunkies what about that shit makes you guys almost throw up? Now THAT would be a challenge!

[@cheechardolino]

I can see doing this for ‘lesser’ whiskey, but for things that are already good or great I don’t see the point.

[@dreamingwolf8382]

Was it only sitting and soaking the whole time, or did you shake it / agitate it at some point(s)?

[@BourbonJunkies]

Just tossed em in and let them sit.

[@109rfan1]

a friend did it with angels and a cherry stick it was better and brought out more wine flavors

[@BourbonJunkies]

That cherry gets in there hard

[@barblarson9745]

you need to send this over to Rex and Danial

[@BourbonJunkies]

They will not enjoy it

[@matthewmeyersr7123]

Awesome, but crying watching Stagg Jr.. Can't find ever in my state.

[@BourbonJunkies]

It was actually good at like a week. The second week made her rough.

[@simartin4606]

I'll take the "chemist's" advice and follow the directions.

[@whip_siskey743]

What is that song playing during the credits guys! I’m humming this all day long and my fiancé is about to kill me cause I only know the part from the credits and I just keep repeating it...

[@scoobtoober2975]

@12:35 "did you listen to anything i said" the birth of a beautiful marriage of virtue spirits. I mean some TBD name. Did you pick a name yet.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Thanks for the wood advice guys, my gf is a big fan

[@sculps]

They blinded me with Science.... SCIENCE!!!!

[@dustinburgy5364]

Did you guys notice little splinters of wood in yours 😭 I sure did

[@davidgoldman6575]

Can you do this Malort? Maybe you can make it taste decent?

[@BourbonJunkies]

Probably not

[@tribaldisturbance594]

have you guys gone back to these lately?

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yea a couple, the ones we followed directions, are good. The mellow corn one we did with the european chestnut actually turned out great. Needed the wood pulled like 3 days sooner and I think it would be less drying

[@joeyyoshizumi]

Could this fix Dickle?

[@BourbonJunkies]

Not sure much can

[@scdbrown]

Why not just drop the staves in the whiskey bottle? don’t really get the point of the mason jar.. I currently have oak spirals in all of the different Benchmark expressions.. have heard the full proof can beat Stagg by doing this🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

Pappy rolling over in grave

[@sugarkitty4777]

"Looks like beef jerky." If you played a drinking game where you counted the times you said "that's what she said", you'd be in the hospital by now...

[@chrislaney930]

This was fun, I would be interested in seeing how you would price what you came up with. Does a $20 bottle taste $28? $35? How much value can you theoretically add to the whiskey?

[@BourbonJunkies]

I said I'm going to have fun with some people did I not?

[@partyfarmer957]

Were you guys as excited to make this episode as I was to watch it??

[@BourbonJunkies]

Actually yea it was a lot of fun.

[@Daniel-zq3wq]

7:05 that's charred, chemist boy

[@Daniel-zq3wq]

14:33 Ah, there it is. Fixed the mistake. You are forgiven.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Lol they come toasted originally

[@jamesn5625]

Great video, have you guys tried tasting whiskey after eating miracle berries? For science

[@BourbonJunkies]

What the hell are miracle berries

[@jamesn5625]

@@BourbonJunkies Miraculin, a naturally occurring compound, is a "taste modifier" that if I recall correctly blocks sour receptors on your tongue, giving the impression of sweetness for normally sour or bitter foods. Plenty of YT vids on it, and miracle berry products are available on Amazon or other online marketplaces.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Need that to drink dickel

[@Mississippi-mania]

Williams is a "France name from Spain" ??

[@BourbonJunkies]

That's why he's rain Dan

[@ericstanley8003]

A "chemist"? What do you do Sean?

[@BourbonJunkies]

Titrations, karl fischer, and icp-ms/oes. Inorganic analytical analysis.

[@zerokidd21]

Just wait till they find out about the little barrels you can get to finish your wiskey in

[@BourbonJunkies]

We have some, I haven't been brave enough to ruin whiskey with it yet

[@zerokidd21]

@@BourbonJunkies you could put staves in with it and really Frankenstein some stuff just saying haha have a good one guys

[@camodown]

Balmorhea - Bal-mor-ray. Cline just butchered it as well.

[@BourbonJunkies]

I was wildly closer than Dan

[@debracohen5632]

Where am I putting this wood? LMAO WTF Is a “France” name?

[@BourbonJunkies]

Danerism

[@lancehenegar8323]

Could you do this with wood chips?? If so, what kind of portion would you advise???

[@BourbonJunkies]

We've not used any of the wood chip products

[@Taylor-family_5]

First?

[@brandonh5002]

How old is that saw? 🤣

[@BourbonJunkies]

One or seven

[@704Jake]

I can't even buy SJ in my neck of the woods and these guy are experimenting with it like it's nothing.

[@BourbonJunkies]

It was for science though!

[@coleboozer4032]

So THAT'S what the hut looks like

[@BourbonJunkies]

Very sad, very dirty

[@coleboozer4032]

@@BourbonJunkies Time for a remodel then?

[@BourbonJunkies]

We're trying. Need building material costs to drop a bit back to normal

[@iremembercliford]

Seems like a "chemist" might have thought to reserve a control sample for #science

[@BourbonJunkies]

Wreckless abandonment is more fun

[@christopherdomalewski773]

$46 dollars for a coffee mug? : (

[@BourbonJunkies]

Tl;dr hand crafted mugs cost a lot and shipping is a bitch.

[@robertbills240]

"Chemist" ... lol

[@BourbonJunkies]

I mean kinda