What Are Oak Cubes?

4/18/25 / | Articles

Oak cubes, also known as oak ‘beans’ are a relatively new variant of a traditional oak stave. The cubes themselves are small, with size ranging from around an inch wide and inch tall. These cubes are a cost-effective and quicker way to age your wine.

In this discussion, we’ll explore what oak cubes are, dive into the different types of oak cubes, explain why you should use oak cubes for your wine, and finally wrap up our discussion with a recap of the important points.

Oak cubes can be defined as small, cube-shaped pieces of oak wood used in winemaking to impart oak flavors, tannins, and aromas to the wine. Like oak barrels, oak cubes offer the same benefits but in a more compact and cost-effective form. They are typically added post-fermentation and allow the alcohol to extract the oak aromatics and flavor compounds straight from the oak cube.

The cubes are available in different sizes, toasting levels, and oak varieties, such as French oak or American oak, giving winemakers the ability to customize the level of oak influence based on the wine’s style.

Oak cubes are often preferred by wineries and home winemakers alike because they provide a controlled and consistent way to infuse oak characteristics into the wine. Unlike barrels, which require significant space, maintenance, and investment, oak cubes are a more convenient and affordable alternative. They offer a similar, if not more intense, oak influence and are a popular choice for those looking to add complexity to their wine without the expense of a full barrel.

Oak cubes come in various types, each providing unique characteristics based on the type of oak and the toasting level used. The two main types of oak used are French oak and American oak, with each offering a distinct flavor profile.

French oak is known for its subtle, refined flavors. Wines aged with French oak cubes typically experience softer, more nuanced flavors, such as vanilla, toasted almonds, and light spices like cinnamon. The oak infusion from French oak is slower, which means it imparts a more delicate and elegant character to the wine.

American oak, on the other hand, is bolder and more assertive. American oak cubes can contribute a rich, sweeter flavor profile compared to French oak cubes. The cubes tend to release stronger flavors like coconut, caramel, and vanilla, as well as spicier notes such as cinnamon and clove. American oak imparts a more intense and faster oak infusion, making it ideal for wines that need a robust oak presence.

The toasting level of the oak cubes also plays a key role in the final flavor of the wine. Toasting levels will vary company by company, but at Oak Chips Inc., our oak cubes are available in untoasted, light, medium, medium plus, heavy, and charbon toast (Charbon toast is only available in the American wood type). The toasting level can dramatically influence the flavor profile, so choosing the right toast is essential based on the wine you’re aging.

There are several reasons why winemakers choose oak cubes over traditional barrels. Here are some of the key benefits:

One of the biggest advantages of using oak cubes is their cost-effectiveness. Oak barrels can be quite expensive, sometimes costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per barrel. In comparison, oak cubes are much more affordable and provide a similar oak infusion effect. Our oak cubes currently start at 1 LB of American oak cubes for $11.99 and French oak cubes for $12.99, making them perfect for both home winemakers on a budget and larger wineries looking to enhance their stock!

Unlike large oak barrels, which can be heavy and difficult to store, oak cubes are much easier to handle, transport, and store. Their small size allows them to be conveniently added to fermentation or aging tanks, without the need for special equipment or storage space.

Oak cubes offer winemakers a unique level of versatility in crafting wines with different flavor profiles. With various sizes, toasting levels, and types of oak available, winemakers can easily adjust the level of oak influence based on the wine style.

As the demand for sustainable practices grows in the winemaking industry, oak cubes provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional oak barrels. By using oak cubes, winemakers can reduce their reliance on full oak barrels, which require extensive resources to produce and maintain. Our oak cubes are sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that our oak is harvested responsibly. Additionally, because oak cubes are smaller and have a higher surface area relative to their volume, they require less wood to achieve the same oak infusion effect, making them a more eco-friendly option for those committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Oak cubes are a versatile, cost-effective, and space-efficient alternative to traditional oak barrels. They provide winemakers with greater control over the oak aging process, allowing for faster extraction of oak flavors, a more consistent result, and the ability to tailor the oak influence to suit different wine styles. Whether you’re a professional winemaker or a hobbyist, oak cubes offer a convenient and reliable way to enhance your wine’s complexity, texture, and aroma.

If you’re interested in trying out oak cubes for your next batch of wine, be sure to explore our selection of both French and American cubes on our eCommerce store. If you have any future questions about oak cubes or the processes involved, don’t hesitate to fill out our contact form and an expert will get in touch with you.

Last Updated: April 18th, 2025.