Batch Variations: Aging the Same Spirit with Different Chip Types
One Base, Endless Possibilities
You don’t need a dozen spirits to create a dozen different experiences. All it takes is one base — and a few different types of oak. That’s the beauty of DIY aging with Deer Jimmy’s®. Change the chips, and you change the soul of the spirit. It’s a masterclass in contrast, and it starts with just one pour.
The Base Is the Constant
Pick a clean, neutral spirit. Vodka works perfectly. So does young genever, white rum or blanco tequila. What matters is consistency. Use the same spirit across all your bottles, so the only variable is the wood. That way, every difference in color, aroma and flavor can be traced back to the barrel chips — not the booze.
Let the Wood Tell Its Story
Age one batch on bourbon oak, and you’ll get warm vanilla, toast and caramel. Age the same spirit on Islay chips, and suddenly you’re standing in sea spray with a mouthful of smoke. Cognac oak brings softness and dried fruit. Calvados adds apple, spice and brightness. Brandy wood wraps it all in warmth and elegance. With every chip type, the base spirit becomes a different version of itself — like casting the same actor in five completely different roles.
Control the Outcome
Want to make a spirit smoother? Go for bourbon or brandy chips. Looking for fire and edge? Islay’s your move. Want something that feels sophisticated and clean? Reach for cognac oak. This isn’t just trial and error — it’s targeted craft. You’re not guessing what will happen. You’re guiding it.
It’s Not Just Aging — It’s Tuning
Running batch variations isn’t just for geeks or pros. It’s for anyone who wants to understand how oak truly works. It turns a casual project into a controlled experiment. And the best part? You taste the difference. You feel the nuance. And the next time you build a bottle, you won’t just be making a spirit. You’ll be composing it.
