Our trū/tan Technical Sales Engineer Glenn Jeffries discusses botrytis and how to treat it with trū/tan enological tannins in this short video.

To learn more about trū/tan f2 and fi, vist:

http://www.oaksolutionsgroup.com/tru-tan/fruit-intensive
http://www.oaksolutionsgroup.com/tru-tan/fermentation-finishing

NAPA, Calif. (February 23, 2018) – Oak Solutions Group is pleased to the announce the latest additions to its successful ÄvOAK Latitude Series – Latitude 33º Mendoza and Latitude 42º Rioja staves. The two new staves join three others in the series including 44º Bordeaux, 45º Rhone and 46º Burgundy.

ÄvOAK’s Latitude series was originally created with long-term aging in mind, applying a classic winemaking style to varietal-specific, traditional wines. Working with winemakers, Oak Solutions Group identified a need for tank staves that would complement the well-known varietals of the famous winemaking regions – La Rioja and Mendoza.

“When we started developing two new Latitude staves we knew we wanted to emulate the great signature wines of La Rioja and Mendoza,” said Kyle Sullivan, Global Managing Director for Oak Solutions Group. “Our final products allow winemakers to capture the essence of wines that are well known from these areas.”

La Rioja is famous for high quality wines made from Mediterranean varietals such as Tempranillo. Latitude 42º tames the high tannins of Mediterranean varietals and adds vanilla and toast sweetness to create a round wine, full of complexity. This stave also carries wine with a great structural and viscous mouthfeel.

Malbec, the signature grape of Mendoza, continues to grow in popularity around the world. The Latitude 33º tank stave provides winemakers the sought-after characteristics of the bestselling Malbecs. “This tank stave can support a big red wine like Malbec or red-blends, without overpowering the wine with oak. It emulates the fresh woodiness of a first use French oak barrel, which is a typical characteristic of Malbec, and allows the wine to show true fruit juiciness,” said Sullivan.

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: ÄvOAK forward thinking oak products, trÅ«/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.

Napa, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Sister companies Cooperages 1912 and Oak Solutions Group are pleased to announce their donation to The Tipping Point and the Redwood Credit Union for wildfire relief efforts in northern California wine country. The companies are making a joint donation of $100,000, which includes employee donations and a company match.

The Tipping Point Emergency Relief Fund will receive $50,000 and Redwood Credit Union Community North Bay Fire Relief Fund will receive $50,000. Donations given to the Tipping Point Emergency Relief Fund will be directed to North Bay community foundations and service providers to support low-income communities hit hardest by the fires. The Redwood Credit Union is receiving donations to support North Bay fire victims in all four affected counties.

“The northern California area and local wine community are close to the heart of our family and our company,” Independent Stave Company CEO Brad Boswell, said. “The impact of the fires on our employees, customers and friends has been immeasurable. This is an opportunity for our companies and our employees to give back to a community that has given so much to our industry.”

Cooperages 1912 and Oak Solutions Group offer premium wine barrels, oak alternatives and enological tannins to winemakers throughout the world. Founded four generations ago by the Boswell Family, parent company Independent Stave Company continues to embrace the core values of family, innovation, community and hard work. 

NAPA, Calif. (April 10, 2017) – ÄvOAK by Oak Solutions Group is pleased to introduce the ÄvOAK Extraction Tank, a specialized, easy-to-use external tank system developed in partnership with Custom Metalcraft to extract oak into wine or spirits. The ÄvOAK Extraction Tank can be used in conjunction with any type of oak alternative product, offering a faster extraction than traditional methods as well as the convenience of reduced labor inputs at the winery.

“Creativity is core to the ÄvOAK brand, and our Extraction Tank will further revolutionize the beverage alcohol industry by allowing wineries to benefit from faster extraction of oak-derived compounds into wine or spirits, the ability to adjust the speed of extraction at any point, and significantly reduced labor by eliminating storage tank entry,” confirmed Kyle Sullivan, international sales director for Oak Solutions Group.

First, the desired oak alternative product or blend of products will be placed inside the ÄvOAK Extraction Tank according to the desired dose rate. Using an external pump and connection hoses, wine flows from the storage tank through the ÄvOAK Extraction Tank, then returning to the storage tank. The system is designed so the speed may be adjusted at any point for added convenience.

“We’ve conducted numerous production trials, and the results repeatedly demonstrate a high quality extraction is achieved in less time,” said Sullivan. “Any of our ÄvOAK products work well in the extraction tank, allowing wineries to have access to our full range of innovative products, with less time and labor invested in integrating the oak with the wine.”

By eliminating the need for in-tank installations, the ÄvOAK Extraction Tank is positioned to significantly reduce labor, and may also be used at any point of the winemaking process.

Immediately available in North America, Oak Solutions Group will work in partnership with Custom Metalcraft to manage inquiries and sales. Product and commercial trial information is available on Custom Metalcraft’s website: http://custom-metalcraft.com/wine-distilling-brewing-equipment/wine-industry/oak-extraction-tank/.

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: ÄvOAK forward thinking oak products, trÅ«/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.    

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NAPA, Calif. (February 18, 2019) – Oak Solutions Group is pleased to announce the launch of High Proof Series within their ÄvOAK brand of oak alternative products. High Proof Series is a line of tank stave and tank stave derived products uniquely crafted for the spirits industry.  

“The craft spirits industry is going through a period of innovation and experimentation like we’ve never seen before” said Kyle Sullivan, Global Managing Director for Oak Solutions Group. “There is a definite need in the market for oak alternative products specifically designed for spirits. With our research team and sister-company, ISC Barrels, we were perfectly positioned to create a great line of products for spirits maturation.”  

Our research and development teams in both Napa, CA and Lebanon, KY have over 75 years of combined experience and industry-leading technology in the areas of whiskey barrel maturation and developing oak alternatives for maturation. They have used their knowledge along with cutting-edge advancements in toasting technology to produce four new products to serve the unique needs of the spirits industry. 

The new products are; Spice Rack, Sweet Shoppe, Rickhouse, and Charred Barrel. The first two lean towards specific flavor profiles, the latter add a balanced profile and smooth finish. All four products are crafted from cooperage quality American and French Oak, seasoned 18-24 months prior to toasting. 

In addition to being available in tank staves, the products can also be ordered in cubes, CUBEtubes, Infusion Staves, Fan Systems and Oak Flavoring Stix. The chosen configurations give the distiller the option of products that will fit through the bung of a barrel or used in tanks.  

“We were conscious of finding the perfect balance between fast extraction and quality barrel like flavors when deciding which configurations to offer in the High Proof Series.” said Sullivan. 

Oak Solutions Specialist Amy LaHue will be present at the American Distilling Institute Conference in March and the Craft Brewers Conference in April with High Proof sample kits and is excited to discuss the new series with attendees. 

About Oak Solutions Group

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: ÄvOAK forward thinking oak products, trÅ«/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.

NAPA, Calif. (March 14, 2012) – Oak Solutions Group has launched the third edition to its Cuvée tank stave series: Cuvée No. 3 Espresso Toast. This new tank stave exhibits distinct espresso character thanks to an innovative stave contour that toasts differently than the traditional stave shape.

“Instead of having a smooth surface, Cuvée No. 3 Espresso Toast tank staves are planed to have a rippled silhouette,” explained Kyle Sullivan, assistant director. “The resulting ridges toast more quickly than the grooved portion of each stave and also radiate heat deeper into the underlying layers of oak.”

When combined with infrared toasting technology, this creates a complex gradient of dark roasted flavors. As a result, Cuvée No. 3 is characterized as an opulent flavor blend, including concentrated notes of coffee and bittersweet chocolate.

“Just as the Italian masters have perfected the espresso roast, carefully orchestrating a delicate balance of concentrated flavors, Cuvée No. 3 imparts a rich blend of flavors across the toast gradient,” said Sullivan. “The balance of roasted flavors makes this tank stave an excellent choice for a variety of wine styles and varietals.”

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes two innovative product lines: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products and trū/tan innovative oak tannins.

Napa, CA – [November 1, 2024] – Oak Solutions Group (OSG) North America is pleased to announce two important developments that will enhance customer service and strengthen its product offerings. OSG’s existing team of Oak Solutions Specialists will now represent Innerstave oak complements, broadening their portfolio to provide even greater options to customers. Additionally, Tim Suter has officially joined the OSG team, bringing industry experience and expertise in building customer relationships.

Oak Solutions Group Sales Team to Represent Innerstave
OSG acquired the Innerstave brand of oak complements in 2023. Now, the company’s seasoned oak specialists including Paul Abbott, Stephanie Blancas, Amy LaHue and Tim Suter – will oversee the portfolio of Innerstave products in addition to the Ä“vOAK and trÅ«/tan lines of oak alternatives.

Each team member brings years of industry experience and a commitment to exceptional service, ensuring a smooth transition for customers. With this expanded role, OSG’s oak specialists will provide seamless access to the full suite of OSG products:

• Ä“vOAK: Innovative products that offer winemakers unique and distinct flavors.
• trÅ«/tan: Custom oak tannin blends designed for specific stages of winemaking.
• Innerstave: Traditional oak complements that deliver the character and complexity of barrel aging.

“Our sales team has cultivated strong relationships with winemakers across the industry,” said Kyle Sullivan, global managing director at Oak Solutions Group, “Adding Innerstave to their portfolio allows us to provide even greater support to customers through the trusted network they already know and rely on. We are well positioned for continued growth and success with these three distinguishable brands.”

Tim Suter Joins Oak Solutions Group
Tim Suter has a proven history of success in wine barrel sales within our parent company, working closely with winemakers to understand their wine programs and to make tailored recommendations. Known for his collaborative approach and ability to foster lasting relationships, Suter’s expertise aligns perfectly with OSG’s mission to deliver exceptional service and premium products to the wine, beer, and spirits industries.

“My company training and experience selling wine barrels has given me a solid foundation in the wine industry,” said Suter. “Now, I’m excited to dive into the world of oak alternatives and the breadth of options they offer winemakers. Relocating to the central coast of California will allow me to offer personal service to clients in the Paso Robles area and to make more frequent visits to clients Oregon and Washington.”

“We are excited to have Tim on board,” said Sullivan, “His customer-focused mindset and industry knowledge will enhance his ability to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

About Oak Solutions Group
Oak Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, offers a premium portfolio of oak products tailored to meet the creative and practical needs of winemakers: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products, trū/tan innovative oak tannins, and Innerstave traditional oak complements.

NAPA, Calif. (February 13, 2017) – Oak Solutions Group is pleased to announce the latest addition to its evOAK portfolio: Cuvée No. 4 and No. 5 tank staves. Inspired by traditional cooperage, Cuvée No. 4 and No. 5 offer winemakers the versatility of oak alternatives with the elegance and complexity of a barrel-like extraction.

“Our innovation team used our proprietary technology and the key elements to crafting a barrel to develop these unique tank staves well suited to extended aging,” confirmed Kyle Sullivan, international sales director.

Cuvée No. 4 and No. 5 tank staves are crafted with oak hand-selected at the cooperage for the finest grain, thereby increasing the potential for extractives. Next, to mimic the gradient of flavor found in a barrel, each tank stave is toasted with a computer-controlled infrared heat source, which conveys different nuances from the surface to the center of the tank stave. The tank staves are only toasted on one side to further increase complexity. This offers two different surfaces to extract from: the toasted side mirrors the first layers of toasted oak in a traditional barrel, while the untoasted side offers the tannins found in the interior layers of a barrel.

“When a barrel is toasted, the surface and initial depth of its barrel staves will be transformed most significantly by the heat from the fire, offering more toasty, caramelized notes, while the inner layers will be less transformed and be an excellent source of tannin,” said Sullivan. “As the wine ages in barrel, it will slowly enter into the oak up to 5-7 mm in depth and will benefit from the different extractives and nuances present in each layer of oak for a complex end result. Cuvée No. 4 and No. 5 offer a way to achieve this using oak alternatives.”

Oak Solutions Group has released a technical data sheet presenting chemical and sensory analysis of both tank staves, offering winemakers further insights into the products through supporting data.

Cuvée No. 4 consistently imparts rich flavors that pair well with dark fruit, and is known for subtle vanilla, red spice and a luxurious finish. The barrel-like aromas and flavors are typical of a fully extracted American oak barrel. Meanwhile, Cuvée No. 5 is reminiscent of a first use French oak barrel, and accentuates aromatic freshness through an integrated balance of fruit, spice and toast while enhancing structure with supple tannins.

The new tank staves launched at the 2016 Vinitech Sifel exposition in Bordeaux, France in December and were subsequently introduced at the 2017 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, Calif. Sample kits may be requested at oaksolutionsgroup.com.

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: evOAK forward thinking oak products, tru/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.

For more information, contact:

Teri Smith, Marketing Director

Office: 573-442-4660

Cell: 573-424-8896

teri.smith@independentstavecompany.com

Napa, Calif. (March 16, 2015) - Oak Solutions Group is pleased to announce the latest addition to its portfolio: the Precision Fire Toast tank stave series, which offers new flavors and exceptional accuracy for every stave thanks to an innovative new toasting system.

"We are always pursuing innovations and developing new products - this is one of our signatures," confirmed Kyle Sullivan, international sales director. "As we brainstormed what the next milestone could be, we realized fire toasted tank staves are well utilized in the industry but could be further explored. Furthermore, if technology could be developed to master control of the thermodynamics and ensure strict adherence to the nuance of every recipe, it would revolutionize this category of oak alternatives."

Oak Solutions Group spent two years developing a new fire toast system focused on tank staves as a collaboration between its innovation, research & development and engineering divisions. The resulting proprietary system features state of the art technology to closely control the thermodynamics, ensuring a consistent and accurate toast on all tank stave surfaces and for every batch toasted. Tank staves are also in 360 degree rotation, turning at key points during the toast to achieve consistency and full flavor development.

With a new system in place, the company then identified sensory targets for new tank stave products and began developing recipes to achieve them.

"We get to be food scientists, using science to achieve a desirable sensory result," said David Llodra, director of research and development. "After talking to winemakers and evaluating what is needed in the market, we identified four targets, each one distinct from the other. We then created recipes and conducted tastings throughout the process, both to audit the success of our technology and to approve new recipes."

Precision Fire Toast tank staves have now been launched as a new series in the company's evOAK brand. The series offers key flavors that work well for modern winemaking styles. Two of the flavors focus on a fruit forward approach - Fruit and Balance - while the other two flavors showcase the richness fire toasting can achieve - Savory and Intense.

"We have an exceptional platform now to push the envelope of what is possible through fire toasting and resulting flavor gradients," said Llodra. "It will be exciting to keep pursuing this. Moving forward, we will continue to develop new toasts based on client consultation and flavors sought after in the market."

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: evOAK forward thinking oak products, tru/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.

NAPA, CA. (February 2, 2026) – Oak Solutions Group announces the launch of Oak Essence Tannins, a new premium finishing tannin line within its trū/tan portfolio. Developed to enhance aromatic complexity, palate sweetness, and mouthfeel, Oak Essence Tannins deliver refined oak expression while preserving varietal integrity.

The Oak Essence Tannins line includes three distinct expressions, Arôme, Harmonie, and Vivacité, each designed to address specific finishing goals. Crafted from cooperage-quality French oak, these tannins are produced using precision toasting and gentle extraction, allowing for impactful results at low, efficient dosage rates.

“Winemakers are increasingly looking for finishing tools that provide precision while respecting the fruit,” said Kyle Sullivan, Global Managing Director for Oak Solutions Group. “Oak Essence Tannins were developed to deliver authentic oak character, aromatic lift, texture, and balance while giving winemakers control and confidence at the final stage.”

Each Oak Essence expression offers targeted benefits. Arôme enhances mid-palate sweetness and smooth texture with lifted mocha and toffee notes. Harmonie builds structure and balance through subtle toasted oak sweetness, deepening complexity while maintaining varietal character. Vivacité brightens fruit expression, softens edges, and extends the finish with freshness and finesse.

“These tannins are designed to integrate seamlessly at finishing,” said Derek Sanchez, Technical Sales Manager for trū/tan. “Their low-dose efficiency allows winemakers to fine-tune aroma, mouthfeel, and balance without overpowering the wine.

Beyond wine, Oak Essence Tannins are also suitable for spirits and low- or no-alcohol beverages, where controlled oak expression and texture are essential. These tannins are available in 250 g packages and further expand the trū/tan portfolio of innovative oak tannins.

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and an unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines:  ēvOAK forward-thinking oak products, trū/tan® innovative oak tannins, and Innerstave, traditional oak complements.

Looking forward to connecting with you at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium! Stop by ????? ??? to talk about tailored oak solutions for your wines. 

By Amy LaHue, Oak Solutions Specialist with guest contributor Andrew Wiehebrink, R&D Spirits Division

Distillers have mastered their craft, but even the most refined spirit can sometimes fall short of the rich color they envisioned. When that happens, I am here to work alongside them to determine the best path forward.

During a recent collaboration, we explored one of the most natural methods for enhancing color— exposure to new oak.  This process imparts color primarily through two key factors: toast profile and tannin content. But I began to wonder which of these has the greater impact?

There are many things to consider.  For instance, French oak contains roughly ten times more tannin than American oak. It’s only natural to assume a dark-toast French oak would be ideal, as it offers the best of both worlds— high tannin content and a deep toast profile. But there’s a catch… toasting degrades tannins, especially in French oak. Knowing that raised new questions. Would untoasted French oak impart more color than a heavily toasted one? And could a dark-toast on American oak achieve similar results?

We can’t answer those questions without giving consideration to proof. Lower-proof spirits, with more water content, tend to draw out tannins. While higher-proof spirits extract more compounds from the toasted wood, which contribute to color in a different way.

With so many variables at play, it was time to tap into the expertise of our R&D Spirits Division. It was then that Andrew Wiehebrink brought forth a controlled experiment designed to give us the clear answers we were looking for.

The Experiment

To analyze color extraction, 6g/L of oak chips (American oak, French oak, and various toast levels) were soaked in vodka at two different proofs—80 and 120—for four weeks. The goal: to determine whether tannins (which have an affinity for water) or toast-derived compounds (which interact more with alcohol) played a bigger role in color development.

The Results: Proof and Toast Matter

The findings revealed that both proof and toast level significantly influence color extraction, especially with French oak:

• At 80 proof: Lighter-toast French oak chips extracted more color compared to higher proof— likely because the tannins remained more intact.
• At 120 proof: Darker-toast levels extracted more color, as the alcohol dissolved more toast-derived compounds.
• The darkest overall extraction came from our NG.466 French oak chip, which features a medium-to-bold toast (not even the darkest toast in our lineup).
• The lightest extraction, across both proofs, was from untoasted American oak.

A higher proof did extract more color from darker toasts, making American oak NG.455 a viable and cost-effective option for color enhancement.

Key Takeaways for Distillers

If you’re looking to boost color naturally, French oak with a medium-plus to bold toast profile consistently delivers strong results across both proof levels. The data supports several observations:

• Lower-proof spirits exposed to untoasted French oak will extract more color than higher proof spirits due to the elevated tannin concentration and tannins being more water soluble. That said, toasted French oak typically imparts even more color overall.
• Higher-proof spirits pull more color from dark-toasted woods, including select American oak options.
• Some American oak products offer satisfactory results, especially when cost is a factor.
• For consistent and rich color extraction, bold or heavy toast French oak remains the safest and most effective option. 

Oak Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, is a premium oak products company that is focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. We share our sensory science and our creative technology to help the world's best distillers achieve their visions.

Have questions or want to explore oak alternatives for your spirit? Email Amy today.

Ä“vOAK
For years, Ä“vOAK has set the standard for oak alternatives. Our premium oak products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering creative solutions for today’s winemakers and distillers.

trū/tan
What makes trū/tan unique is our oak, directly sourced from the same forest regions as premium oak barrels and then precisely toasted through our exclusive process.

Innerstave
Innerstave oak complements allow winemakers and distillers to achieve traditional barrel attributes – a range of flavors, aromatics and texture in their beverage products.

Oak Solutions Group
Unified Symposium Booth: 421

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection to the wine and spirits industries. Utilizing our proprietary science and technology, we work with the world’s best winemakers and distillers to achieve their visions.

Oak Solutions Group distributes: ēvOAK, trū/tan, and Innerstave.

For years, Ä“vOAK has set the standard for oak alternatives. Our premium oak products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering creative solutions for today’s winemakers and distillers.

Learn more about each of our distinct Ä“vOAK series to find the perfect product to meet your unique needs.

What makes trū/tan unique is our oak, directly sourced from the same forest regions as premium oak barrels and then precisely toasted through our exclusive process.

To create complexity and enhance the quality of your wines, explore our powder and liquid innovative oak tannin blends.

Oak Solutions Group
WIN Expo Booth: 807

NAPA, CA (November 1, 2023) – Oak Solutions Group, a premium oak products company, has further expanded its portfolio of high-quality oak alternatives with the purchase of Innerstave. The agreement was finalized on November 1, and includes the acquisition of the inventory, machinery, intellectual property, and brand.

Founded in 1979, Innerstave pioneered the oak alternatives industry. For the past 40 years, they have assisted winemakers, distillers, and brewers in enhancing the color, mouthfeel, structure, and aromatic complexity of their beverages.

“The Innerstave acquisition will give us the opportunity to sell additional stave formats and expand our market share in North America, South America, and globally,” said Oak Solutions Group Global Managing Director Kyle Sullivan. “Existing customers will still have access to the excellent Innerstave products they currently purchase as we will be protecting the technology and production process that is the cornerstone of their unique flavor profiles.”

Innerstave approached Oak Solutions Group, as a fellow industry leader, with the offer to purchase the assets and continue growing the brand. The Oak Solutions Group portfolio currently includes ēvOAK oak alternatives and trū/tan oak tannins. Innerstave will be incorporated into the portfolio as another premium oak alternatives option.

“I believe Innerstave recognized that we have the knowledge, R&D, and sales resources to continue growing the brand as major player in the oak alternatives industry,” said VP of Business Development, Jason Stout. “Innerstave has supported the wine industry for years and we are proud to continue their vision for the brand into the future.”

Oak Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products, trū/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.

Oak Solutions Group is pleased to the announce the latest addition to its trū/tan portfolio: f+ / Fermentation Plus. Fermentation Plus is a hydrolysable tannin that is a blend of gallotannin and ellagitannin derived from Quercus Alba. It adds subtle aromas and a smooth, round mouthfeel to heavier whites and lighter reds.

“Our trÅ«/tan line originally contained two fermentation tannins, Fruit Intensive (fi) and Fermentation Finishing (f²), largely for whites and reds respectively,” said Kyle Sullivan, Global Managing Director for Oak Solutions Group.  “We discovered an opportunity to utilize a new toasted oak extract that provides more aromatics and desired mouthfeel not only to be used in both reds and whites at fermentation, but even to be used in finishing where applicable.”

What makes trū/tan unique is our oak, directly sourced from the same forest regions as premium oak barrels, and then precisely toasted through our proprietary process. This allows our f+ tannin blend to be positioned as a fermentation tannin with a quality high enough to also be used a finishing tannin. As a fermentation tannin, it is designed to add subtle aromas and a smooth, round mouthfeel to heavier whites and lighter reds. When used in finishing it adds delicate oak aromas and increase structure and smoothness in the finish.

“Its high polyphenolic content will reduce risk of oxidation from botrytis and reduce pyrazines and vegetal character in prone varieties,” said Derek Sanchez, trÅ«/tan Technical Sales Manager / Wine Chemist. “Another notable feature in f+ is its ability to increase color stability and reduce bitterness.”

Fermentation Plus is immediately available in the trū/tan line, which now features seven oak tannin blends. The trū/tan portfolio also includes two other unique fermentation tannins: fi / Fruit Intensive and f2 / Fermentation Finishing.

NAPA, Calif. (December 1, 2020) – Oak Solutions Group is pleased to announce the launch of High Caramel within the High Extract Series of their evOAK brand of oak alternative products. High Caramel is available in both chip and tank stave formats. 

“There continues to be a strong demand for products that can bring specific flavors to wines, so we’ve created more diversity in our High Extract Series by introducing High Caramel,” said Kyle Sullivan, Oak Solutions Group global managing director. “In this series, we focus on singular flavor expressions that can stand alone in wine or be used as part of a blend. Caramel has high aromatic appeal with consumers, especially in red wines and robust chardonnays. We also wanted this product to provide a noticeable increase in texture and offer oak characters that integrate well with the fruit.” 

Consistent with the rest of the High Extract Series, High Caramel chips are toasted in our custom-designed small batch roaster – a small rotating drum which develops specific attributes in the oak according to the unique recipe for that toast. High Caramel tank staves are created using convection technology – a computer-controlled process which creates tank staves with accelerated extraction of full-bodied oak. These two toasting regimes allow for the large range of time and temperature combinations necessary to bring out caramel flavors in the oak. They also provide consistency, precision, and control during the toasting process.

“Our High Extract Series has been well received by winemakers looking for products to use during aging and finishing,” said Sullivan. “The expansion of the High Extract Series with High Caramel will give our winemakers’ even more options to dial in on the specific flavors they are looking for in their wine,” said Sullivan. 

High Caramel chips allow for fruit to be integrated with caramel characters and offer a soft mid-palate. High Caramel tank staves provide subtle sweet and dark toast characters with a long finish. In addition to tank stave and chip configurations, these products are also available as cubes, CUBEtubes, infusion staves, fan systems, and Oak Flavoring Stix.

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products, trū/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.