Yep, though it is not strictly an industrial process, it is also used at home instead of ranno, not everyone has the possibility to burn wood and gather the ashes, and - to be picky - you also need to either remove the first ashes or start the fire without paper or accelerating products.

Then the more traditionalist would also say that you need only this (or that) type of wood ...

> this (or that) type of wood

for speed or for taste?

For taste.

Some say that olive wood is better, some say oak or beech, though I believe that since these "preferences" tend to be regional they are most probably originated by "whatever wood you have available around".

Only thing I can say definitely NO coniferous wood (i.e. no cypress/pine/fir).

So, theoretically, I can simulate something to this effect by using a whiskey barrel to cure the olives? I'll be sure to try.