Review: Wine Barrel Grilling & Smoking Staves

For years, I've cooked over mostly hickory or apple wood.  I really enjoy the smell of the smoke and the taste that it imparts to the meat.

Recently, I had the chance to use Wine Barrel staves on a couple of different cooks and cookers.  The staves are from actual oak wine barrels used to make red wine.  You can see how the wine has stained the inside of the staves.  Simply add these to your grill or smoker in the place of other smoking woods.

I first used them in a Big Green Egg when I was smoking baby back ribs.  The smoke was lighter than hickory or mesquite.  I really enjoyed the milder flavor as well.  Most recently, I used them in a Backwoods Fatboy and the experience was the same.  Although I'm not sure I could detect any flavor from the wine itself, I'd highly recommend this product for a lighter, milder result.

The staves were from RedEnvelope.com.  I really like the package that I received and would highly recommend this site to order up personalized gifts for the grillmeister in your life.  There's a nice selection of personalized and grilling gifts.  You should definitely keep them in mind at your next gift giving opportunity.

Cheers,
Braddog

Comments

[Chris]

I like the JD oak chips. While I can smell the whiskey on the chips when they go and I can't in the finished product. But I enjoy the aesthetic smell they put off while I'm cooking. Sounds like these wine barrels are about the same. To me, if it makes the grilling experience more enjoyable, it's worth it!

[Jim and Betty (parents)]

Hey,

Your dad is so proud he has cooked his first ribs by himself. Theywere good and with a little more experience may be as good as yours. Just wanted you to know that your GIFT is a big hit. Love Mom