Disparaging oak barrels under a "green" umbrella may feel good, but it ignores the reality of the situation (See "The Art of Oak, Part 2," June 2009). In my country, Hungary, sound ecological practices go back over 400 years, and legal frameworks protecting forests go back 200 years. Forests are harvested in a responsible manner, and sustainability is not a goal but a reality. Moreover, oak products shipped by ocean freight often have lower carbon footprints than products trucked across America.

As for the role of oak adjuncts, existing "science" and "studies" shine a sliver of light into an otherwise dark room. Experience has shown practicality in some oak adjunct applications, but not as a wholesale replacement for oak barrels. As a manufacturer of both oak barrels and adjuncts, we study the adaptations and limitations of our products on an ongoing basis. Thankfully, we estimate a fruitful market for oak barrels and adjuncts to be served through a sustainable supply chain.

James Molnar
Managing director, Trust Cooperage & Quercus LLC
Szigetvar, Hungary