Are you enthralled by the charm and elegance of repurposed whiskey barrels? Companies specializing in carpentry have recently taken the initiative to transform the used barrels into stunning and functional furniture. If you have ever wondered how the gorgeous realm of oak barrels started their journey, this blog will take you through its humble roots.
The art of cooperage, the coopering process, or the art of barrel making is a perfect symphony of creativity, scientific knowledge, and exquisite craftsmanship. Over the years, it has been well established that every step of the barrel making process directly impacts the whiskey, wine, or bourbon flavor. Despite the high demand for high quality wood whiskey barrels, handcrafted casks tend to be more resilient, durable, and visually appealing compared to their factory manufactured non traditional barrels. Let's take a sneak preview into the process of barrel crafting and deep dive into their heritage.
Choice of Wood
One of the primary steps in the barrel making process is the selection of the wood. It is a common misconception that all barrels are made from White Oak wood. Though this is the most popular choice, the barrel can also be made with different types of wood. Coopers usually prefer American Oak barrels as they are resilient and durable in nature. Some wine barrels are also built of other kinds of wood. The artisans make the choice based on the type of outcome expected from the process. Every aspect of the wood, from its age, species, and even the grain pattern, can impact the subtle flavor.
Separation and Preparation of Barrel Staves
Once the wood is chosen, it is subjected to a stringent quality check process. It is imperative to ensure that the wood is in perfect condition. It is then cut into long strips, known as the wine or whiskey barrel staves. The wooden staves are sanded and polished to create a smooth surface. This is a delicate process, as excessive force or the wrong technique could compromise the aesthetic appeal of the barrel. Master coopers deploy time tested strategies to get the best outcome. The staves are then softened by boiling them in steam. This makes the process flexible and gives the unique curvature of the larger barrels.
Crafting the Barrel
The next step in the process is to assemble the staves together to construct the barrel shape. These staves are held together with a metal ring (known as temporary hoops). This step ensures the longevity and stability of the barrels. With meticulous attention to detail, the skilled coopers craft every intricate element of the charred oak barrel. This stage ensures the cask's top notch quality and that it remains sturdy for many more years to come.
Processing and Finishing
The cask is then further processed based on this purpose. For instance, if the American oak barrel is used for storing whiskey, it has to be processed on the inside. The charring process provides a unique texture. This will elevate the distinct flavor profiles and color of the liquor aged in it. This process could differ based on various factors. Nevertheless, the coopers and skilled craftsmen will ensure that the casks or watertight barrels are leak proof and sturdy enough to securely store your favorite whiskey for long periods of time. Some of these whiskey or bourbon barrels are repurposed into stunning furniture.
The art of coopering is passed down through generations and consistently improved to elevate the quality of the finished barrel. These time tested techniques ensure the durability and aesthetic allure of the wooden barrels. As the most reputed whiskey barrel furniture store in Connecticut, we handpick the used barrels with distinct characteristics from top distilleries and repurpose them into stunning furniture. This careful selection focuses on the oak aging process, the coopering process, and the toasting process. You can check out our website, woodandbarrel.co, or visit our store at 54 Hilliard St, Manchester, CT 06042.
