Oak

[cuz]

Has anyone used something like this from Home Depot rather than infusion spirals or oak chips?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/General...d-Oak-Plugs-313038/202252107#product-overview

 

[cmason1957]

Those aren't toasted, nor are they aged, like oak chips and spirals are. I wouldn't put them in my wine.

 

[sour_grapes]

You would want to know what species of oak it is from. At least know whether it is red or white oak. (Red oak is said to give a taint of cat urine to your wine. Seriously.)

 

[winemaker81]

Oak for wine making is typically aged 1 to 3 years, and as @sour_grapes said, species is extremely important. And as @cmason1957 mentioned, the plugs are not toasted, so if even if these plugs are aged white oak, you will not get the same effect.

You'll generally get the best price when purchasing oak adjuncts in larger quantities. I recently purchased 1 lb medium toast Hungarian oak cubes for $25 USD. Prices range on up from there, and one source listed 1 oz bags for $3.50 ... which is $56/lb.

French oak is often a bit higher in price, while American is cheaper. It's all white oak, but different varieties.

 

[cuz]

yeah I was going to try to toast them but not anymore.
This website has a nice variety of oak spirals.

https://www.infusionspiral.com/?SID=mv98k242duvg4cqdvgapuj97s2#blendSlides

 

[pete1325]

I would not use them, spirals and chips specifically for wine make is preferred and a safe and effective way to add oak flavor to wines. But you must taste test during the process so not to over oak. ask me how I know..