Family-owned since 1975, Oak Chips Inc. is a long-established specialist in oak alternatives for winemakers and distillers. Founded by Ben Nathan, the company sources wood from Appalachian forests and historic French forests, then develops it through a proprietary toasting process refined over five decades.
Ohio Valley Veneer, IncFounded by Edward and Carol Robbins in 1990, Ohio Valley Veneer is a family-owned, three-generation Appalachian hardwood sawmilling company. From timberlands across the Ohio Valley, it hand-selects forest logs and produces graded lumber at multiple regional mills, with annual production of roughly 30–32 million board feet. Its operations also include Ohio Valley Chipping and Ohio Valley Stave, extending the family’s timber business into wood chips and whiskey-barrel staves.PIKETON, OH
Hartzell HardwoodsFamily-owned Hartzell Hardwoods has turned Piqua, Ohio, timber into premium walnut and thick oak lumber since 1875. The six-generation company pioneered steaming walnut, now produces 22 million board feet annually, and ships sustainably sourced hardwoods from its Ohio and Missouri facilities to customers in more than 40 countries. Hartzell remains especially known for walnut and thick stock, with a focus on careful drying, grading, and packaging.PIQUA, OH
Adirondack Barrel Cooperage, LLCAdirondack Barrel Cooperage makes American white oak barrels for spirits and wine at its Glenville, New York cooperage. Described as New York’s first cooperage since the 1940s, the company is led by Joe and Kelly Blazosky and combines air-dried, aged wood and hand toasting with precision milling and temperature-controlled charring. ADK keeps production deliberately low, tests every barrel before shipment, and offers custom guidance from its master cooper along with on-site rickhouse storage.GLENVILLE, NY