DOSING GUIDE: CHOOSE 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.