Vicard has set up a system for selection of four grain types (very fine, fine, mid-fine, open) for oak from France and the bordering countries. Thanks to this strategy we can meet every customer need.
The cooperage offers two grain types (fine and mid-fine) for the oak of East European origin.

The very fine grain, often used for long maturing, is the richest in eugenol (spices, cloves).
Mid-fine grain destined for shorter maturing periods produces milder woody and gourmet notes (vanilla, caramel, less spice).

Our optimized toasting process allows us to neutralize the dominant whisky-lactone (coconut) aromas and thereby reveal all the aromatic complexity of American oak.

To ensure regularity in our grain quality, our purchasers check the grain type as early as the forest. Then, when the cask wood is stored and the staves machined, our teams conduct further visual inspections.