North Mountain Supply French Oak Cubes are formulated for winemakers and brewers who want refined French oak complexity without committing to a full barrel. This 4 oz package of medium plus toast cubes can be added directly to stainless steel tanks, glass carboys or other aging vessels to build structure, aroma and flavor during post fermentation aging.
The cube format offers a measured surface area that promotes steady extraction over time. You can allow the cubes to float freely or place them in a mesh bag for easier removal. They are best used after fermentation has finished, when the focus shifts from yeast activity to shaping the profile and mouthfeel of the wine or other beverage.
Medium plus toast French oak is known for delivering complex, well defined toasted oak character. It typically brings a mix of aromas such as vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate, coffee, mocha and graham cracker, with subtle touches of nutmeg and clove. On the palate, these cubes help introduce sweetness, creaminess and roundness to the mouthfeel, along with a lingering, pronounced toast character that remains integrated rather than harsh.
Because French oak often emphasizes elegance and integration, medium plus toast is a popular choice for wines where you want depth and richness without overwhelming the fruit. It can work very well with reds, fuller bodied whites, and select specialty styles of cider or mead.
Extraction will depend on dosage, contact time, temperature and alcohol level. Starting with a moderate dose and tasting regularly gives you the control to stop the oak contact when the flavor and structure are where you want them.
Key features:
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4 oz package of French oak cubes
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Medium plus toast for complex, well defined toasted oak character
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Intended for post fermentation aging in stainless steel tanks, carboys or other vessels
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Can be used free floating or in a mesh bag for convenient removal
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Aromas often described as vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate, coffee, mocha and graham cracker with a touch of nutmeg and clove
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Enhances sweetness, creaminess and roundness in mouthfeel with a lingering, pronounced toast finish
Suggested uses:
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Post fermentation aging of red wines and fuller bodied white wines
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Adding refined French oak character to ciders, meads or specialty beers
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Trial batches to dial in French oak levels before scaling treatments to larger volumes
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Blending programs where different oak profiles are combined into a final cuvée
Introduce the cubes gradually, record your dosage and sampling schedule, and taste frequently during aging so you can replicate successful results and avoid over oaking future batches.
