STAVES - XOS AMERICAN OAK

XOS Medium toasted Oak mini staves.

• Oak commonly infuses hints of caramel, toasty, nutty or vanilla notes into the alcohol it comes in contact with. Different species of Oak will give different flavour profiles.
• So some experimenting is necessary to achieve the desired flavour. Below is a list of the most common oak species used in flavoring bourbon and whisky and an explanation of what flavour you can expect from each.

• American White Oak – By far the most commonly used often described as having an intense oak flavour with high vanilla and aromatic compounds.
• These compounds include aldehydes and acids such as vanillin, vanillic acid and syringaldehyde.
• American white oak chips release these aromatics faster then other species so the wood needs less contact time with the alcohol.

• French Oak – Imparts a much softer oak flavour then the American White Oak. You’ll notice a sweet spice flavour with hints of allspice and cinnamon. French Oak chips have more flavour compounds and tannin’s then American white oak.
• Toasting wood staves is the process of heating wood to produce flavour compounds not present in raw wood.
• Heating wood breaks down the molecular structure of hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose that’s present.
• Heat converts hemicellulose into sugars and degrading lignin, releasing flavour compounds like vanillin, guaiacol, eugenol and phenols.
• By toasting at different temperatures and different amounts of time you can create different flavour profiles.

• You may find the oak staves will quickly add colour and flavour but this does not mean your whiskey is ready to drink.
• It takes time for the harsh, burning flavour of the alcohol to be absorbed by the wood.
• Over oaking is possible with wood staves so it’s best to take a small sample every week or so to test the flavour.
• You may also want to split your spirit up into several jars and vary the amount of oak staves you put in each one, this will allow you to experiment and see what you prefer.

• Use at a rate of 20-30 grams per litre for 2- 4 months.
• Net weight 1kg.