NAPA, CA. (February 2, 2026) – Oak Solutions Group announces the launch of Oak Essence Tannins, a new premium finishing tannin line within its trū/tan portfolio. Developed to enhance aromatic complexity, palate sweetness, and mouthfeel, Oak Essence Tannins deliver refined oak expression while preserving varietal integrity.
The Oak Essence Tannins line includes three distinct expressions, Arôme, Harmonie, and Vivacité, each designed to address specific finishing goals. Crafted from cooperage-quality French oak, these tannins are produced using precision toasting and gentle extraction, allowing for impactful results at low, efficient dosage rates.
“Winemakers are increasingly looking for finishing tools that provide precision while respecting the fruit,” said Kyle Sullivan, Global Managing Director for Oak Solutions Group. “Oak Essence Tannins were developed to deliver authentic oak character, aromatic lift, texture, and balance while giving winemakers control and confidence at the final stage.”
Each Oak Essence expression offers targeted benefits. Arôme enhances mid-palate sweetness and smooth texture with lifted mocha and toffee notes. Harmonie builds structure and balance through subtle toasted oak sweetness, deepening complexity while maintaining varietal character. Vivacité brightens fruit expression, softens edges, and extends the finish with freshness and finesse.
“These tannins are designed to integrate seamlessly at finishing,” said Derek Sanchez, Technical Sales Manager for trū/tan. “Their low-dose efficiency allows winemakers to fine-tune aroma, mouthfeel, and balance without overpowering the wine.
Beyond wine, Oak Essence Tannins are also suitable for spirits and low- or no-alcohol beverages, where controlled oak expression and texture are essential. These tannins are available in 250 g packages and further expand the trū/tan portfolio of innovative oak tannins.
Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and an unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: ēvOAK forward-thinking oak products, trū/tan® innovative oak tannins, and Innerstave, traditional oak complements.
Looking forward to connecting with you at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium! Stop by 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝟰𝟮𝟭 to talk about tailored oak solutions for your wines.
By Amy LaHue, Oak Solutions Specialist with guest contributor Andrew Wiehebrink, R&D Spirits Division
Distillers have mastered their craft, but even the most refined spirit can sometimes fall short of the rich color they envisioned. When that happens, I am here to work alongside them to determine the best path forward.
During a recent collaboration, we explored one of the most natural methods for enhancing color— exposure to new oak. This process imparts color primarily through two key factors: toast profile and tannin content. But I began to wonder which of these has the greater impact?
There are many things to consider. For instance, French oak contains roughly ten times more tannin than American oak. It’s only natural to assume a dark-toast French oak would be ideal, as it offers the best of both worlds— high tannin content and a deep toast profile. But there’s a catch… toasting degrades tannins, especially in French oak. Knowing that raised new questions. Would untoasted French oak impart more color than a heavily toasted one? And could a dark-toast on American oak achieve similar results?
We can’t answer those questions without giving consideration to proof. Lower-proof spirits, with more water content, tend to draw out tannins. While higher-proof spirits extract more compounds from the toasted wood, which contribute to color in a different way.
With so many variables at play, it was time to tap into the expertise of our R&D Spirits Division. It was then that Andrew Wiehebrink brought forth a controlled experiment designed to give us the clear answers we were looking for.
The Experiment
To analyze color extraction, 6g/L of oak chips (American oak, French oak, and various toast levels) were soaked in vodka at two different proofs—80 and 120—for four weeks. The goal: to determine whether tannins (which have an affinity for water) or toast-derived compounds (which interact more with alcohol) played a bigger role in color development.
The Results: Proof and Toast Matter
The findings revealed that both proof and toast level significantly influence color extraction, especially with French oak:
- At 80 proof: Lighter-toast French oak chips extracted more color compared to higher proof— likely because the tannins remained more intact.
- At 120 proof: Darker-toast levels extracted more color, as the alcohol dissolved more toast-derived compounds.
- The darkest overall extraction came from our NG.466 French oak chip, which features a medium-to-bold toast (not even the darkest toast in our lineup).
- The lightest extraction, across both proofs, was from untoasted American oak.
A higher proof did extract more color from darker toasts, making American oak NG.455 a viable and cost-effective option for color enhancement.
Key Takeaways for Distillers
If you’re looking to boost color naturally, French oak with a medium-plus to bold toast profile consistently delivers strong results across both proof levels. The data supports several observations:
- Lower-proof spirits exposed to untoasted French oak will extract more color than higher proof spirits due to the elevated tannin concentration and tannins being more water soluble. That said, toasted French oak typically imparts even more color overall.
- Higher-proof spirits pull more color from dark-toasted woods, including select American oak options.
- Some American oak products offer satisfactory results, especially when cost is a factor.
- For consistent and rich color extraction, bold or heavy toast French oak remains the safest and most effective option.
Oak Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, is a premium oak products company that is focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. We share our sensory science and our creative technology to help the world's best distillers achieve their visions.
Have questions or want to explore oak alternatives for your spirit? Email Amy today.
Ä“vOAK
For years, Ä“vOAK has set the standard for oak alternatives. Our premium oak products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering creative solutions for today’s winemakers and distillers.
trū/tan
What makes trū/tan unique is our oak, directly sourced from the same forest regions as premium oak barrels and then precisely toasted through our exclusive process.
Innerstave
Innerstave oak complements allow winemakers and distillers to achieve traditional barrel attributes – a range of flavors, aromatics and texture in their beverage products.
Oak Solutions Group
Unified Symposium Booth: 421
Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection to the wine and spirits industries. Utilizing our proprietary science and technology, we work with the world’s best winemakers and distillers to achieve their visions.
Oak Solutions Group distributes: ēvOAK, trū/tan, and Innerstave.
Napa, CA – [November 1, 2024] – Oak Solutions Group (OSG) North America is pleased to announce two important developments that will enhance customer service and strengthen its product offerings. OSG’s existing team of Oak Solutions Specialists will now represent Innerstave oak complements, broadening their portfolio to provide even greater options to customers. Additionally, Tim Suter has officially joined the OSG team, bringing industry experience and expertise in building customer relationships.
Oak Solutions Group Sales Team to Represent Innerstave
OSG acquired the Innerstave brand of oak complements in 2023. Now, the company’s seasoned oak specialists including Paul Abbott, Stephanie Blancas, Amy LaHue and Tim Suter – will oversee the portfolio of Innerstave products in addition to the Ä“vOAK and trÅ«/tan lines of oak alternatives.
Each team member brings years of industry experience and a commitment to exceptional service, ensuring a smooth transition for customers. With this expanded role, OSG’s oak specialists will provide seamless access to the full suite of OSG products:
- Ä“vOAK: Innovative products that offer winemakers unique and distinct flavors.
- trū/tan: Custom oak tannin blends designed for specific stages of winemaking.
- Innerstave: Traditional oak complements that deliver the character and complexity of barrel aging.
“Our sales team has cultivated strong relationships with winemakers across the industry,” said Kyle Sullivan, global managing director at Oak Solutions Group, “Adding Innerstave to their portfolio allows us to provide even greater support to customers through the trusted network they already know and rely on. We are well positioned for continued growth and success with these three distinguishable brands.”
Tim Suter Joins Oak Solutions Group
Tim Suter has a proven history of success in wine barrel sales within our parent company, working closely with winemakers to understand their wine programs and to make tailored recommendations. Known for his collaborative approach and ability to foster lasting relationships, Suter’s expertise aligns perfectly with OSG’s mission to deliver exceptional service and premium products to the wine, beer, and spirits industries.
“My company training and experience selling wine barrels has given me a solid foundation in the wine industry,” said Suter. “Now, I’m excited to dive into the world of oak alternatives and the breadth of options they offer winemakers. Relocating to the central coast of California will allow me to offer personal service to clients in the Paso Robles area and to make more frequent visits to clients Oregon and Washington.”
“We are excited to have Tim on board,” said Sullivan, “His customer-focused mindset and industry knowledge will enhance his ability to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.”
About Oak Solutions Group
Oak Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, offers a premium portfolio of oak products tailored to meet the creative and practical needs of winemakers: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products, trū/tan innovative oak tannins, and Innerstave traditional oak complements.
NAPA, CA (November 1, 2023) – Oak Solutions Group, a premium oak products company, has further expanded its portfolio of high-quality oak alternatives with the purchase of Innerstave. The agreement was finalized on November 1, and includes the acquisition of the inventory, machinery, intellectual property, and brand.
Founded in 1979, Innerstave pioneered the oak alternatives industry. For the past 40 years, they have assisted winemakers, distillers, and brewers in enhancing the color, mouthfeel, structure, and aromatic complexity of their beverages.
“The Innerstave acquisition will give us the opportunity to sell additional stave formats and expand our market share in North America, South America, and globally,” said Oak Solutions Group Global Managing Director Kyle Sullivan. “Existing customers will still have access to the excellent Innerstave products they currently purchase as we will be protecting the technology and production process that is the cornerstone of their unique flavor profiles.”
Innerstave approached Oak Solutions Group, as a fellow industry leader, with the offer to purchase the assets and continue growing the brand. The Oak Solutions Group portfolio currently includes ēvOAK oak alternatives and trū/tan oak tannins. Innerstave will be incorporated into the portfolio as another premium oak alternatives option.
“I believe Innerstave recognized that we have the knowledge, R&D, and sales resources to continue growing the brand as major player in the oak alternatives industry,” said VP of Business Development, Jason Stout. “Innerstave has supported the wine industry for years and we are proud to continue their vision for the brand into the future.”
Oak Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products, trū/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.
For years, Ä“vOAK has set the standard for oak alternatives. Our premium oak products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering creative solutions for today’s winemakers and distillers.
Learn more about each of our distinct Ä“vOAK series to find the perfect product to meet your unique needs.
What makes trū/tan unique is our oak, directly sourced from the same forest regions as premium oak barrels and then precisely toasted through our exclusive process.
To create complexity and enhance the quality of your wines, explore our powder and liquid innovative oak tannin blends.
Oak Solutions Group
WIN Expo Booth: 807
Oak Solutions Group is pleased to the announce the latest addition to its trū/tan portfolio: f+ / Fermentation Plus. Fermentation Plus is a hydrolysable tannin that is a blend of gallotannin and ellagitannin derived from Quercus Alba. It adds subtle aromas and a smooth, round mouthfeel to heavier whites and lighter reds.
“Our trÅ«/tan line originally contained two fermentation tannins, Fruit Intensive (fi) and Fermentation Finishing (f²), largely for whites and reds respectively,” said Kyle Sullivan, Global Managing Director for Oak Solutions Group. “We discovered an opportunity to utilize a new toasted oak extract that provides more aromatics and desired mouthfeel not only to be used in both reds and whites at fermentation, but even to be used in finishing where applicable.”
What makes trū/tan unique is our oak, directly sourced from the same forest regions as premium oak barrels, and then precisely toasted through our proprietary process. This allows our f+ tannin blend to be positioned as a fermentation tannin with a quality high enough to also be used a finishing tannin. As a fermentation tannin, it is designed to add subtle aromas and a smooth, round mouthfeel to heavier whites and lighter reds. When used in finishing it adds delicate oak aromas and increase structure and smoothness in the finish.
“Its high polyphenolic content will reduce risk of oxidation from botrytis and reduce pyrazines and vegetal character in prone varieties,” said Derek Sanchez, trÅ«/tan Technical Sales Manager / Wine Chemist. “Another notable feature in f+ is its ability to increase color stability and reduce bitterness.”
Fermentation Plus is immediately available in the trū/tan line, which now features seven oak tannin blends. The trū/tan portfolio also includes two other unique fermentation tannins: fi / Fruit Intensive and f2 / Fermentation Finishing.
NAPA, Calif. (December 1, 2020) – Oak Solutions Group is pleased to announce the launch of High Caramel within the High Extract Series of their evOAK brand of oak alternative products. High Caramel is available in both chip and tank stave formats.
“There continues to be a strong demand for products that can bring specific flavors to wines, so we’ve created more diversity in our High Extract Series by introducing High Caramel,” said Kyle Sullivan, Oak Solutions Group global managing director. “In this series, we focus on singular flavor expressions that can stand alone in wine or be used as part of a blend. Caramel has high aromatic appeal with consumers, especially in red wines and robust chardonnays. We also wanted this product to provide a noticeable increase in texture and offer oak characters that integrate well with the fruit.”
Consistent with the rest of the High Extract Series, High Caramel chips are toasted in our custom-designed small batch roaster – a small rotating drum which develops specific attributes in the oak according to the unique recipe for that toast. High Caramel tank staves are created using convection technology – a computer-controlled process which creates tank staves with accelerated extraction of full-bodied oak. These two toasting regimes allow for the large range of time and temperature combinations necessary to bring out caramel flavors in the oak. They also provide consistency, precision, and control during the toasting process.
“Our High Extract Series has been well received by winemakers looking for products to use during aging and finishing,” said Sullivan. “The expansion of the High Extract Series with High Caramel will give our winemakers’ even more options to dial in on the specific flavors they are looking for in their wine,” said Sullivan.
High Caramel chips allow for fruit to be integrated with caramel characters and offer a soft mid-palate. High Caramel tank staves provide subtle sweet and dark toast characters with a long finish. In addition to tank stave and chip configurations, these products are also available as cubes, CUBEtubes, infusion staves, fan systems, and Oak Flavoring Stix.
Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes three product lines: ēvOAK forward thinking oak products, trū/tan innovative oak tannins, and Custom Blends.