subtle oakiness

noun phrase

1. A faint, understated smell or taste of oak wood in a drink, especially one aged in oak barrels, often with hints of vanilla or spice (wine, whisky, brandy, cider).

   C1

   uncountable; takes 'a' when modified (a subtle oakiness)used mainly in tasting notes, especially for wine and spirits

   • "The wine has subtle oakiness and a fresh, fruity finish."B1
   • "The chardonnay shows a subtle oakiness from twelve months in barrel."B2
   • "A touch of subtle oakiness adds warmth without overpowering the fruit."B2
   • "What struck me was the subtle oakiness — barely noticeable, yet it gave the whisky a lovely rounded finish."C1

2. A slight woody quality noticed in other things, such as coffee, tea, or tobacco, suggesting the smell of oak.

   C1

   uncountable

   • "I like the subtle oakiness of this coffee."B2
   • "The tea has a subtle oakiness that comes from being stored in wooden casks."C1