Oak has a very rich history in terms of the things it is used for. Throughout antiquity oak wood, has been used for shipbuilding because of its properties of hardness and strength. It is also resistant to fungal and insect attacks. The same qualities make oak a very popular wood in house building.
Oak barrels have also long been used by makers of wine and whisky because of the flavour that they add to the drinks. Some whiskies are aged for decades in oak barrels to achieve the right taste. Flavour plays a huge part in the use of oak wood. Chips of oak are even used to smoke cheese, meet and fish.