Quote Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY View Post
Roy, the barrel comes with a medium char already done on the inside. One thing I've read about these little barrels is that they have a larger surface area. (A greater wood to liquid contact ratio) than the larger, traditional barrels the pros use. It'll take a lot less time to achieve "whiskey." So I need to constantly check, taste, to see how it's coming along. These smaller barrels run the risk of over oaking the liquid.
Back in the day when I worked seasonal field work for Green Giant Co. There were some guys who came out from Tennessee to work pea harvest, the only name I remember is Charter Dole as he come west year after year.

They would bring shine out and it was indeed fine shine! I remember Charter saying that you could char up some oakwood and put it and some shine in even a gallon jar to age and you'd get some good whiskey.

Sounds like you're on your way!