In this episode of The Oak Effect, host Gus Zhu explores how different beverages, from wine to whiskey, interact with French and American oak. Gus breaks down the key differences in flavor, cost, and tradition, then dives into why winemakers often prefer the subtlety of French oak while distillers lean toward the bold character and practicality of American oak. Along the way, he shares fascinating stories about Rioja’s historic use of American oak and the role bourbon barrels play in shaping Scotch whisky.