Junhe Oak Barrel

RAW MATERIAL

The oak barrels currently widely used in whiskey aging are primarily made of American white oak and European oak.
With the emergence of new whiskey-producing regions, a variety of other wood types are also being experimentally used in whiskey aging, such as Mongolian oak (of which Mizunara is a subtype), American dwarf oak, New Zealand Tōtara oak, etc.
Oak barrels play a significant role in whiskey and various aged spirits, contributing over 60% of the flavors.

Types and Specifications of Raw Logs

When in contact with the spirit, oak barrels gradually release aromatic molecules that give the spirit its color,meanwhile,Oak barrels reduce unpleasant aroma molecules in spirits through the filtration and adsorption effects of their internal roasted layer.The "interaction" between the spirit and the oak barrels results in a more fruity and balanced spirit with more complexity.

Rigorous material selection standards

Hot-pressing technology

Refine plank selection

Multidimensional toasting

Mongolian Oak

The use of Mongolian oak in whiskey is just beginning, but one of its subspecies, Mizunara oak, has been widely used in whiskey aging. Increasing research also shows that the species Quercus mongolica possesses excellent flavor characteristics, leading more distilleries to pay attention to Mongolian oak, including domestic distilleries like Laizhou, which have started breeding programs. Mongolian oak has a wide distribution, mainly including Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the northeastern region of mainland China, with extensive distribution in forest farms near Changbai Mountain.

Characteristic

Mongolian oak possesses unique and subtle aromas such as agarwood and incense, along with hints of honey and a few fruit flavors. Its oak structure is more open-pored, making it less watertight and more challenging for barrel-making. However, its distinctive agarwood flavor has led many to experiment with its use.
Due to its challenging production process and the fact that some Mongolian oak (Mizunara oak) abroad is protected under international conventions, combined with domestic policies of "tending and thinning," sourcing this wood is difficult, making it extremely costly.

Junhe Oak Barrels

The Mongolian oak used for Junhe oak barrels is sourced from forest farms in the Changbai Mountains, with an average tree age of over 60 years and a diameter at breast height of over 40 cm. This makes it an extremely rare material for barrel making, with limited supply available each year.