products guided by

Research and Innovation

Combining scientific research and ongoing barrel trials to drive continuous innovation that meets the evolving needs of winemakers.

Our Global R & D Team

With research facilities in Lebanon, Kentucky, Napa, California, and Bordeaux, France, our global team collaborates to leverage their diverse regional expertise and oak science knowledge to drive innovation.

Alexandra LeFloch

Director of Research & Development

Tonnellerie du Monde
Bordeaux, France

Glycine Bonneville-Jiang

Oak Research & Development Specialist

ISCO Laboratory
Napa, California

Andrew wiehebrink

Director of Spirit Research
and Innovation

Kentucky Research Center
Lebanon, Kentucky

drew chapters

Lab Technician

ISCO Laboratory
Napa, California

Discover The

ISCO Laboratory

Located at our Cooperages 1912 offices in Napa, the ISCO Laboratory, operated by our parent company - Independent Stave Company - allows us to perform routine quality control checks on our products - ensuring they meet our rigorous standards, and those of our customers. In addition, the lab is utilized for innovation and product development putting us on the forefront of oak science. We offer chemical and analytical services to our customers, partnering to meet their unique winemaking needs.

Analytical Services

Independent Stave Company Laboratory is third party certified - ISO 9001 and 14001.

Receive Certified Results

Leverage our certified research laboratory services to analyze the influence of oak on your wine samples. Independent Stave Company Laboratory is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified, and all analysis methods are recorded in the official ISO documents.

Access Our Global Barrel Sample Database

Our extensive, global database of analyzed samples can assist you in making informed decisions when selecting barrels that best align with your wine program's goals.

Experienced Analysts and Research Professionals

Our laboratory, under the direction of experienced research professionals, is equipped with GCMS, KPLC, SPME, and ASE capabilities and staffed by a full-time chemical analyst. We provide certified analytical results accompanied by comprehensive data interpretation from our research team, empowering you to optimize your barrel inventory with confidence.

Laboratory Services

Analysis of 28 oak aroma compounds in beverage or wood samples.

Results are given in a report of raw individual sample data, average of the sample set, and spider graph for each sample and average highlighting main chemical markers for oak aroma.
Data can be compared to our extensive database of samples and extended reports can be requested with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and bar chart of the main chemical markers.

Minimum volume needed: 100mL