"But the ultimate luxury is time and space.

Allier yields very tight-grained wood of the.Quercus petraea.

"The trees grow tall and straight with tight spacing," says Keeler."They produce barrels with soft, balanced tannin.".: Allier works with wine harmoniously.

Allier with lighter toast respects the nuances of the vineyard, while heavier toast contributes baking spice and toffee notes.. Tronçais.Within the northern reaches of the forests of Allier is a unique grouping of French oak trees called Tronçais.

"They're known for producing luxury barrels," says Keeler.

"The tannin of the oak is noble and rich.truffle that we'll roll into a buttermilk beignet batter and fry to make very crisp.

The result will be a molten, stuffed, gooey.donut that has laser sharp acidity and two textures.

It will be the perfect foil for cast iron-seared.and rum-spiked strawberry molasses.".