Dosing Guide
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OAK
American Oak
American Oak is an excellent choice for producers seeking:
- A smoother, rounder mouthfeel
- Rich natural vanillin
- Perceived sweetness
- Creaminess
- Toasted or caramelized notes
Darker toast levels can introduce deeper smoky, roasted, toasted, and toasted-marshmallow character.
French Oak
French Oak is especially effective for adding:
- Classic oak character
- Structure and tannin
- Refined mouthfeel
- Balance and complexity
- A smooth, polished finish
French Oak is often selected when structure and traditional oak character are the primary objectives.
Blending American and French Oak
American and French Oak can be blended to create a more customized profile.
French Oak can establish structure, tannin, and classic oak character. American Oak can then be added gradually to introduce vanillin, creaminess, perceived sweetness, toast, and smoke.
Different toast levels may also be blended to further refine aroma, flavor, structure, and mouthfeel.
How To Dose
| Dosage Rate | Dosage Cost Per Liter |
|---|---|
|
0.1% |
0.1 ml |
|
0.2% |
0.2 ml
|
|
0.3% |
0.3 ml |
|
0.4% |
0.4 ml |
|
0.5% |
0.5 ml |
|
0.6% |
0.6 ml |
|
0.7% |
0.7 ml |
|
0.8% |
0.8 ml |
|
0.9% |
0.9 ml |
|
1.0% |
1.0 ml |
|
1.2% |
1.2 ml |
|
1.5% |
1.5 ml |
2. Add Soluble Oak at the low end of the recommended range (see Suggested Dosages below).
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Evaluate the immediate flavor and mouthfeel.
5. Increase the dosage in small increments as needed.
6. Record the preferred dosage.
7. Allow the sample to rest for 24 to 48 hours and evaluate it again.
8. Scale the selected dosage proportionally to the full batch.
For greater complexity, test American Oak, French Oak, and a blend of both before selecting the final formulation.
SUGGESTED STARTING DOSAGES FOR BEER, WINE, SPRITS, AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Beer
The appropriate dosage depends heavily on the beer style and its flavor intensity. Delicate beers may reveal oak at relatively low dosages, while imperial stouts, porters, and strong ales may require substantially more.
American Oak
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Rounder mouthfeel with minimal oak flavor |
0.2–0.3% |
|
Noticeable oak in lagers, pale ales, and mild amber ales |
0.7–0.8% |
|
Pronounced oak in imperial stouts, porters, and strong ales |
1.0–1.5% |
French Oak
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Rounder mouthfeel with subtle oak influence |
0.1–0.3% |
|
Noticeable oak in lagers, pale ales, and mild amber ales |
0.6–0.7% |
|
Pronounced oak in imperial stouts, porters, and strong ales |
0.8–1.2% |
Wine
Wine dosage should be adjusted according to the varietal, existing tannin structure, alcohol level, and desired oak intensity.
American Oak
American Oak can be especially effective at low dosages in white wines, particularly Chardonnay, where it can enhance smoothness and creaminess while introducing subtle natural vanillin.
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Enhanced mouthfeel with little noticeable oak flavor |
0.2–0.3% |
|
More noticeable American Oak character |
Approximately 0.4% |
French Oak
French Oak is particularly well suited to red wines, where it can add depth, balance, structure, tannin, and classic oak character.
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Enhanced mouthfeel with little noticeable oak flavor |
0.2–0.3% |
|
More noticeable American Oak character |
Approximately 0.4% |
Spirits
Spirits generally require a higher dosage because of their alcohol concentration and stronger existing flavor profiles.
American Oak
American Oak provides natural vanillin, perceived sweetness, mouthfeel, toast, smoke, and roasted character.
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Pronounced American Oak character |
Approximately 1.0% |
The dosage may be increased or decreased according to the type of spirit, its existing intensity, and the desired oak profile.
French Oak
French Oak develops classic oak character while adding tannin, structure, complexity, and a smoother, more refined finish.
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Pronounced American Oak character |
Approximately 1.0% |
The dosage may be increased or decreased according to the type of spirit, its existing intensity, and the desired oak profile.
Non-Alcoholic and Other Beverages
Wine dosage should be adjusted according to the varietal, existing tannin structure, alcohol level, and desired oak intensity.
American Oak
American Oak can be especially effective at low dosages in white wines, particularly Chardonnay, where it can enhance smoothness and creaminess while introducing subtle natural vanillin.
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Enhanced mouthfeel with little noticeable oak flavor |
0.2–0.3% |
|
More noticeable American Oak character |
Approximately 0.4% |
French Oak
French Oak is particularly well suited to red wines, where it can add depth, balance, structure, tannin, and classic oak character.
| Desired Rate | Suggested Starting Range |
|---|---|
|
Enhanced mouthfeel with little noticeable oak flavor |
0.2–0.3% |
|
More noticeable American Oak character |
Approximately 0.4% |
PRICE TO DOSE YOUR PRODUCT
The percentage indicates the amount of Soluble Oak added to the finished beverage.
Estimated pricing below is based on the purchase of a 5-liter bag. American Oak and French Oak are priced separately.
| Dosage Rate | Soluble Oak per Liter | American Oak Cost per Liter | French Oak Cost per Liter |
|---|---|---|---|
|
0.1% |
1 ml |
$0.09 |
$0.11 |
|
0.2% |
2 ml
|
$0.18
|
$0.22
|
|
0.3% |
3 ml |
$0.27 |
$0.33 |
|
0.4% |
4 ml |
$0.36 |
$0.44 |
|
0.5% |
5 ml |
$0.45 |
$0.55 |
|
0.6% |
6 ml |
$0.54 |
$0.66 |
|
0.7% |
7 ml |
$0.63 |
$0.77 |
|
0.8% |
8 ml |
$0.72 |
$0.88 |
|
0.9% |
9 ml |
$0.81 |
$0.99 |
|
1.0% |
10 ml |
$0.90 |
$1.10 |
|
1.1% |
11 ml |
$0.99 |
$1.21 |
|
1.2% |
12 ml |
$1.08 |
$1.32 |
|
1.5% |
15 ml |
$1.35 |
$1.65 |