Catalyzes the oxidation of carveol to carvone, with a strong stereoselectivity since it efficiently converts only the (6S)-stereoisomers, of which (-)-(4R,6S)-trans-carveol is the better substrate. Displays a broad substrate specificity with a preference for substituted cyclohexanols, and does not catalyze the oxidation of primary or short chain aliphatic secondary alcohols. Is also able, albeit more slowly, to oxidize limonene-1,2-diol into 1-hydroxy-2-oxolimonene. (1S,5R)-carveol + NAD(+) = (R)-carvone + H(+) + NADH (1S,5S)-carveol + NAD(+) = (S)-carvone + H(+) + NADH Competitively inhibited by the product (S)- or (R)-carvone. Optimum pH is 5.5. Shows 25% of the optimal activity at pH 4.6 and 7.0. Optimum temperature is 50 degrees Celsius. Terpene metabolism; limonene degradation. Homotetramer. By limonene and carveol. In vitro, is only active in the presence of the artificial electron acceptor dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP). The physiological electron acceptor that is used to regenerate NAD(+) in vivo is unknown. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.