Oak Chips For Distilling

Please Note Oak Chips for Distilling, not for persons under the age of 18!

In brief, oak chips for distilling will make your craft spirits taste out of this world! Infuse with spirits such as brandy, whiskey, rum and wine. Providing you the flavor and color you will love. Oak chips are apart of our consumables range. The stronger the alcohol taste, the smaller the amount of chips. Alternatively the more you put in, the quicker the aroma and color is extracted. Notably, oak chips are commonly used in the distilling process to mimic the effects of aging spirits in oak barrels, a process that imparts unique flavors, aromas, and color to the spirit.

Here’s a bit more detail on benefits of oak chips for distilling:

Purpose :

Firstly, Flavor Enhancement : Oak chips add complex flavors like vanilla, caramel, spice, and smoke. Notably, these flavors come from the natural compounds present in oak wood, such as vanillin, lactones, and tannins.

Secondly, Coloration : They contribute to the rich amber color associated with many aged spirits.

Thirdly, Tannin Introduction : Tannins from oak add structure and depth to the spirit.

Different types :

American Oak : Known for its robust flavors like vanilla and caramel. Used in bourbon production.

French Oak : Provides more subtle, spicy, and toasted almond flavors. Used for aging wines and some spirits.

Toasting Levels : Oak chips come in different levels of toasting (light, medium, heavy), each providing different flavor profiles and intensities.

Usage in Distilling :

Infusion : They must be added directly to the spirit for a period of time, letting them to infuse their flavors.

Aging Process : Used in home distilling or small-scale operations.

Control : Provides greater control over the aging process, allowing distillers to tailor the flavor to their liking. Adjusting the type, amount, and time of oak exposure.

Advantages :

Cost-Effective : In the end cheaper than purchasing barrels, especially for small batches.

Speed : Speeds up the aging process compared to traditional barrel aging.

Versatility : Provides flexibility in experimenting with different oak characteristics without the long-term commitment of barrel aging.

Considerations :

Quality of Chips : The origin, type, and quality of oak chips can affect the end product.

Lastly, Balance : Overuse leads to overly oaky flavors or excessive tannins, which are not enjoyable.

Ketelkraal provides oak chips for distilling and much more!

Because in the end you passion remains ours!