All XTRAOAK products are produced using cooperage grade oak.

This oak is sourced from French and American stave mills with proven records of consistent quality. We have over 25 years of experience in identifying the best oak for our XTRAOAK products and realize that our final product is only as good as the raw material we begin with.

Selection criteria for our wood is as follows:

• Selected species : Quercus Sessiflora and Quercus Robur (for French oak); Quercus Alba (for American oak)
• Air-seasoning up to 36 months
• "Merrain" type without sap nor bark.

Each time and temperature formula we employ results in a unique flavor and aroma profile. These toasting formulas have been carefully designed in consultation with our oak specialists as well as with winemakers.

All XTRAOAK products are toasted using state of the art food grade convection ovens. These ovens allow precise control of both time and temperature insuring that our desired flavor and aroma profiles can be reproduced consistently.

The origin and air seasoning history of all XTRAOAK oak is fully traceable using bar-coding technology.

The toasting parameters for each toast level are monitored and recorded per lot number.

The production of XTRAOAK products at our Kentucky facility is HACCP certified by Bureau Veritas.

The production of XTRAOAK products at our Bordeaux facility is HACCP certified by AFNOR (leading body for certification and evaluation of products, services, systems and competences in France).

Oak compounds and chemicals are analyzed regularly to insure consistency. Our research and development team is working constantly to improve all aspects of XTRAOAK products.

This effort involves the design and implementation of trials involving XTRAOAK products as well as existing product review and new product development.