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Literature Note — Oak Species and Whisky-Lactone Variability
Literature Note — Oak Species and Whisky-Lactone Variability

Literature Note — Oak Species and Whisky-Lactone Variability

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Maturation and WoodMaturation and WoodOak ExtractivesOak ExtractivesWhisky LactoneWhisky LactoneSensory and FlavorSensory and Flavor
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Status: Complete literature note based on a full page-by-page review of No access.

Analytical note

Core summary

In a large mixed French-oak stand, species dominates volatile-extractive differences, but within-species and spatial variability are substantial and ring width is a poor proxy.

Author argument

Botanical identity matters, yet neither local environment nor visible grain alone yields a simple prediction of whisky-lactone and related volatiles.

Evidence assessment

Chemical analysis of 286 trees across two principal oak species and three site positions, with univariate and spatial statistics.

Researcher synthesis

Cooperage narratives should resist deterministic labels. Species shifts probability distributions, but individual-tree variation, seasoning, heat treatment, and spirit interaction remain decisive.

Limitations

One French stand; raw wood rather than coopered barrels or matured whiskey; does not establish sensory outcomes.

Open questions

How well do raw-wood volatile measurements survive seasoning and charring? What comparable data exist for Quercus alba provenance and tree-level variation?

Sources

  • Source: No access
  • Citation: Wood Volatile Compounds — ChicagoWood Volatile Compounds — Chicago
Date
September 4, 2026
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Contributors
Andrei PridaAndrei PridaAlexis DucoussoAlexis DucoussoRémy J. PetitRémy J. PetitGérard NepveuGérard NepveuJean-Louis PuechJean-Louis Puech
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Source
No access
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Excerpts
Oak species materially changes whisky-lactone potentialOak species materially changes whisky-lactone potentialTree and spatial variation persist within oak speciesTree and spatial variation persist within oak speciesRing width is a weak shortcut for volatile extractivesRing width is a weak shortcut for volatile extractives
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Zettels
Oak species changes probabilities, not destinyOak species changes probabilities, not destiny
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Citations
Wood Volatile Compounds — ChicagoWood Volatile Compounds — Chicago
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