I agree. High surface area low depth oak alternatives really just kind of give you the tannins and a big blast of oak without all the more subtle oak barrel flavors. At least in the different barrel alternatives I've tried (Chips, cubes, spirals.) I have some of these "Xoakers" from xtraoak that are little toasted oak balls... I need to give them a try. I won 2lbs of them in a raffle at my Club's Annual Party that they were kind enough to donate to.