Why oak? Why not cedar? Apple?

[Kcwhippet]

Many different types of wood have been used over the centuries, but oak has been found to have the best characteristics particularly for the flavors imparted. Other woods, like chestnut, locust and cherry have been used, There are about 250 different species of oak, basically divided into red oak and white oak. The red has some very bitter and bad tasting qualities, so white oak is preferred. Of those, only three species are used to any degree. Two of those are native to Europe (Quercus pedunculata and Quercus sessilis) and the third is native to North America (Quercus alba).

[This message has been edited by Kcwhippet (edited 02-10-2003).]