Pure Distilling American Oak Chips 100g

These raw, untoasted chips are made from American white oak and deliver the wood’s natural, unheated character: bold coconut-like notes and a distinctive dill-herbaceous lift driven by oak lactones.

In their raw state they contain no free vanillin, so sweet vanilla is absent unless the chips are later toasted. The chips also carry a high load of water-soluble ellagitannins that can contribute firm structure, but their rapid extraction demands careful management to prevent harsh, drying astringency. A pre-boiling step is essential to temper the most aggressive tannins and allow the clean coconut and dill profile to shine.

For distillers, this provides a structured base that can later be built upon through the use of toasted oak if desired. The chips also add coconut depth and a firm tannic backbone to full-bodied red wines, dark strong beers, dry ciders, and traditional meads.

User Guide

• Important: Raw oak tannins are harsh if used untreated. Always boil the chips in water for 10 minutes and discard the water before use. This step removes the most astringent water-soluble compounds while preserving the characteristic coconut and dill.

• Spirits: Use 10–15 g per litre of spirit, post-boil. Age for 2–6 weeks, tasting every 3–4 days. If vanilla sweetness is desired, remove the chips after initial aging, dry them, and toast them in the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes before returning them to the spirit.

• Beer: Add 2–3 g per litre during secondary fermentation, boiled. Coconut and dill notes come forward quickly; taste after 5 days.

• Wine: Add 1–2 g per litre during bulk ageing, boiled. Short contact times (1–2 weeks) are typical to avoid over-extraction.

• Cider & Mead: Use 1–2 g per litre after primary fermentation, boiled. Adds structure and a coconut undertone; monitor closely to avoid astringency.

• Single use only. Store in a cool, dry place.