COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a noontime webinar series in January 2024 hosted by state forestry specialist Hank Stelzer. The four-part series, “White Oak, Whiskey & Wine,” covers the connection between white oak species and the wine and spirits industries, highlighting the crucial role Missouri woodland owners play in ensuring industry sustainability, Stelzer says.

Topics:

• Jan. 8. White Oak & Wine. Learn the difference between American and French white oak, how toasting influences flavor profiles of red wines and why not all oak tannins are bad.

• Jan. 15. White Oak & Whiskey. Learn how charring influences the flavor profile of whiskey, maturation in the rack house and the nuanced definitions of whiskeys and bourbons.

• Jan. 22. From Stump to Barrel. See how this value-added forest product is made right here in the Show-Me State.

• Jan. 29. No Barrels in 2100? Learn the important role family forest landowners will play to ensure a sustainable supply.

Woodland owners who complete the series may qualify for a free visit from a professional consulting forester courtesy of the White Oak Initiative. Partners for this series include the Forest & Woodland Association of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USDA Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Registration is limited to 50 participants and closes midnight Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. Cost for all four webinars is $10. Register at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/2024-white-oak-whiskey-wine-webinars.