Alter Oak - Innovations, new barrels, discover our news

26
mai
2023

Discover Rare Mizunara Oak Barrels at Alter Oak

Mizunara oak, a prized wood in the distilling industry, is known for its rarity and unique characteristics. Let’s explore why it is highly sought after by distillers worldwide.

The Rarity of Mizunara Oak:

Mizunara oak is exceptionally rare, taking centuries to mature and only a small percentage of trees being suitable for barrel production.

Mizunara oak‘s porous nature intensifies the maturation process, while its high levels of vanillin provide a sweet, creamy flavor, and lactones add a spicy, sandalwood-like aroma.

Deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, Mizunara oak is believed to bring blessings and is revered for its cultural symbolism in the production of spirits.

Due to its limited supply, time-intensive crafting process, and exceptional qualities, Mizunara oak barrels come with a higher price tag, attracting distillers seeking to create exclusive and distinctive spirits.

These Mizunara casks embody the artistry of distillation, offering rarity, unique flavors, and cultural significance.

At Alter Oak, we provide the finest Mizunara oak barrels, allowing distillers to elevate their craft and create spirits of unparalleled quality and character. Contact us if you need exotic barrels such as Mizunara.

20
oct.
2020

ALTER OAK CASKS STORIES : PEDRO XIMENEZ (PX)

The very first mention of Sherry wine comes from the Greek geographer Strabo in the 1st century BC. From Xera, the name given by the Phoenicians to the region where Jerez stands today, this nation of traders produced wines which were then exported throughout the whole Mediterranean Basin, especially to Rome.

Pedro Ximenez (PX) is a naturally sweet sherry wine produce in Spain in the Jerez region.Pedro Ximenez is probably the sweetest wine in the world. Yet despite this, its aromas and flavour make it fresh and harmonious on the palate as a result of the natural process of « raisining » by ‘asoleo’, or frying the grapes in the sun.

Pedro Ximenez (PX) second hand barrels Tasting:

In the nose its bouquet is extremely rich with predominantly sweet notes of dried fruits such as raisins, figs and dates, accompanied by the aromas of honey, grape syrup, jam and candied fruit, at the same time reminiscent of toasted coffee, dark chocolate, cocoa and liquorice.

29
juin
2020

ALTER OAK CASKS STORIES : PORT WINE

In the 18th century, Portuguese wines, when transported to London regularly, turned into vinegar. To avoid this problem a British merchant had the idea of adding alcohol to the wines. This is how Port wine as we know it today was born.

Port wine was so successful that to preserve the quality the Portuguese government had to introduce regulations. In 1756 the first Protected Designation of Origin was created.

England, is not a wine producer and was reluctant to buy its wine in France and Spain, countries that were often enemies. Thus, England very quickly found in Portugal the ideal partner for sourcing wine and especially Port wine .

Ruby Port used cask & barrels:

Ruby Port wines are put into oak barrels to improve their quality before bottling

Ruby barrels bring sweetness and strong red fruit aromas.

Tawny Port used cask & barrels:

The Tawny must be aged in oak barrels for at least 5 years. Some can be aged up to 40 years or more.

The contributions of these second hand casks & barrels are: oxidative notes, chocolate, and candied fruit aromas.

12
juin
2020

Alter Oak – Used casks stories – SAUTERNES

Sauternes is a French sweet wine from the Sauternais region in Bordeaux. Sauternes is made from different grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis Cinerea, also known as noble rot.

This results in the concentrated and distinct flavours in the wines. Due to its climate, Sauternes is one of the few regions where infection with noble rot frequent. It is suggested that the unappealing thought of drinking wine made from fungus-infested grapes may have caused Sauternes producers to keep the use of noble rot a secret.

Used Cask & Barrel benefits

Sauternes used casks & barrels are very favourable as they have a very sweet and complex flavour. Also the Sauternes production is very expensive and the Châteaux don’t want to risk their high investment in the grapes by using bad casks or barrels.

Sauternes Used Casks Tasting notes

Sauternes are charecterized by the balance of sweetness with the zest of acidity. Some common flavour notes include apricots, honey, peaches but with a nutty note, which is a typical characteristic of noble semillon itself.

27
avr.
2020

Patent Caractere Duo

27
avr.
2020

Craft Distilling Expo 2019

01
avr.
2020

New patented toasting technique

25
fév.
2020

Innovations, new barrels, international fairs …

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