Qustion about American oak cubes

[Thomas Fransson]

Hi there folks, i'm thomas from Sweden

I've never used oak cubes in my beers but im looking to buy some.
The thing is, i had a speedway stout (2002) and that thing knocked me.

Is there any chance that you can get that coconutty flavour by using simply oakcubes?
From what ive read it's american oak if you want those kinda flavours?

What level of toasting and what amount and time do you guys think is a good way to start with?

Ive been thinking about getting a small 6 gal barrel, but i want to play around with cubes
before i get my self in to another marriage

[brewinhard]

I have only used french oak (med tst) for beers. As far as American oak is concerned I have heard it is pretty aggressive and can dominate a beer quickly if overdone. A nice stout could probably stand up to some good A. oak. As far as coconut flavor from the oak is concerned, I am not sure if those are the flavors you would get. If you have the ability to keg, you could always rack into one on top of 1 0z. American oak and let it sit for 2-3 months. Have a taste and make your next play at that time.

[Thomas Fransson]

Thanks!

Yes i have a couple of kegs so i'll give that a try.
Just need to brew a good RIS and get some cubes (can't get them in sweden yet)

[Tom from Raleigh]

There's a great episode of the Sunday Session on using oak with Shea Comfort. It was from this time last year. One thing he advocates is using a mixture of toast levels and countries of origin to build complexity.

Speedway Stout is one killer beer.

[Chupa LaHomebrew]

I've used medium-plus toast American oak cubes with good effect. There is definitely some coconut in there, which is not something I really get from French. Not sure what Speedway uses to get that though, it could be an oxidative product with the dark malts involved.
I used 2 oz of cubes in a 5 gallon keg of Barleywine, for a little over 1 month. I boiled them up in a little water to sanitize. I put the water in too, but I think I would discard the water next time and just use the cubes for a smoother effect.

[Thomas Fransson]

Thanks guys!

Just waiting for the cubes to arrive at my homebrew store here in sweden.
The idea of using a mixture sounds great!