About Oaking

American white oak (Quercus alba) is a precious, noble, and living resource. At Charlois, oak is far more than a material — it is heritage, passion, and transmission, shaped by generations of craftsmanship since the 17th century.

OAKING – A collective of expertise dedicated to American White Oak.

In 2025, Charlois launched OAKING, the first strategic alliance entirely dedicated to enhancing the value of American white oak, designed to meet the highest expectations of both distillers and interior construction and design professionals.

For centuries, Charlois has selected and transformed the finest French and European oaks (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) through a structured model that combines sustainable forestry with the production of high-end barrels for the world’s greatest wines and spirits.

Each tree is fully and respectfully utilized, in an eco-conscious, artisanal, and innovative approach that reflects the group’s philosophy: waste nothing, elevate every fiber, and pass on knowledge.

From European heritage to American excellence

OAKING continues this legacy, with a clear ambition to elevate and structure the American white oak supply chain.

A united strength behind an exceptional material

OAKING brings together the houses of excellence that have joined the Charlois Group :

– Graf Brothers (2024) – the global leader in Rift & Quarter Sawn American white oak

– Kelvin Cooperage (2023) – a historic reference in American barrels for bourbon and whisky

Graf Brothers and Kelvin Cooperage, with complementary expertise and a shared vision, are united by a common commitment to quality, sustainability, and precision.

For distillers, OAKING offers a comprehensive and well-orchestrated solution, from forest sourcing to barrel reuse and revitalization.

For builders, architects, joiners, fit-out professionals, and designers, OAKING guarantees access to exceptional American oak — stable, technically reliable, and visually outstanding — suited to the most demanding interior and design projects.

A forward-thinking, adaptable model

Designed to anticipate market trends and address evolving needs in traceability, performance, and environmental impact, the OAKING approach is firmly rooted in a long-term vision.

OAKING is more than a brand — it is a shared commitment, a harmonized network of international expertise, and a collective vision in service of an extraordinary natural material.