ALTERNATIVES & BARREL RENEWAL SYSTEMS

A bag labeled "Oregon Barrel Works" containing oak chips

Oak alternatives and barrel renewal systems are an economical, convenient, and effective option for beverage makers looking for oak impact without the use of new barrels.

Oregon Barrel Works approaches oak alternatives with the same level of care and craft as we do any barrel or tank. Wood is air-dried, and each order is custom-made, toasted to your specifications, and shipped fresh. We offer a variety of sizes, toast levels, and formats to fit your desired extraction level and timeframe.

Chips are slow-toasted in a drum roaster in small batches. Blocks, beads, cubes, and tank staves are toasted in a convection-style oven roaster. Using these method ensures the wood receives a uniform, deep toast to maximize flavor.

Alternative products are available in five- or twenty-pound mesh immersion bags.

TOAST LEVELS

FORMATS

  • Light

  • Medium

  • Medium Plus

  • Heavy

  • Chips

  • Blocks

  • Cubes

  • Beads

CHIPS

 Oregon Barrel Works chips are slow toasted in a drum roaster in small batches ensuring an even toast. We offer three sizes of toasted chips: Standard, Small and Fine. Standard provides a slow extraction rate with the convenience of a chip. Small chips are designed to pass through a pump and make a great choice for co-fermentation. Fine chips are the texture of dust and ideal where quick extraction is desired.

BLOCKS

Dimensions: 2” x 2” x 3”

BEADS

Dimensions: 1/2” x 1/2” x 1/4”

CUBES

Dimensions: 1/4” x 1” x 1”

TANK STAVES

Dimensions: 3/8” x 2” x 38”.

The tank staves can be configured to accommodate most existing tank stave systems including the log cabin system or Oregon Barrel Works umbrella system.

Oregon Barrel Works umbrella system accommodates up to 32-tank staves per system. The staves are connected with a stainless steel wire and anchored to the inside of the tank with an 18-inch pigtail. The system is designed to allow the staves to float freely inside the tank, which reduces installation time and affords greater flexibility.

OAKSICLES

A through-the-bung system that delivers cost effective barrel renewal with superior quality. Each unit provides a level of extraction comparable to that of a new barrel. Installation and removal of the Oaksicle is simple and quick due to its strong and flexible design.

STAIRSTEPS

A through-the-head barrel renewal system where staves are fixed to the inside of the barrel on either side of the bung. This unique design keeps the staves above the lees and does not interfere with racking or stirring. The system includes installation by the Oregon Barrel Works team.