Chips, cubes, spirals, staves — the difference between fine and forgettable.
4 picks on this shelf
Russ and Todd disagree about almost nothing in this hobby. They disagree about oak.
Oak$14–$16Russ-approvedBest for redsEditor's choice
French Oak Cubes (Medium Toast)
The Russ-approved oak. Subtle, vanilla, integrates over 6–8 weeks.
See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
Oak$8–$9Todd-approvedBest for reds
American Oak Chips (Medium-Plus Toast)
The Todd-approved oak. Bolder, coconut, vanilla, fast.
See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
Oak$13–$14Russ & Todd approvedBeginner top pick
Oak Spirals (French, Medium Toast)
The lazy man's barrel. One spiral, six weeks, integrated oak.
See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
Oak$22–$25Russ-approvedBest for big batches
Hungarian Oak Staves (Heavy Toast)
Bigger format, slower release. The patient winemaker's oak.
See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
Keep browsing
See all categories →Yeast & Additives
Yeast strains, nutrients, sulfites, fining agents — the chemistry shelf.
Browse →6 picksTools & Misc
Spoons, scales, funnels, gloves — the small stuff that makes everything easier.
Browse →5 picksGifts for the Wine Lover
What to wrap for the friend who'd rather drink it than make it.
Browse →3 picks