Whiskey barrels are unique from other types of barrels. If you think a “barrel is a barrel,” you are mistaken. Whiskey barrels are much more than just containers to store the whiskey before it is bottled. In fact, the whiskey barrel is critical in determining the final product, as it interacts with the spirits to create the flavor, color and aroma of the whiskey. Whiskey is matured in barrels for as long as 25 years or even more, in some cases.
Due to their unique properties, whiskey barrels are always made of oak but not just any type of oak. Unlike other types of woods, oak is considered a pure wood that will not secrete strong flavors to the whiskey as it matures. Three types of oak are used in the making of whiskey barrels, the most common being American oak, also known as white oak. Practically all domestic whiskeys are aged in white oak barrels. The other two types of oak used in the making of whiskey barrels, Pedunculate and Sessile, are found in Europe.
Despite advances and automation affecting the way almost everything is manufactured these days, the way whiskey barrels are made has changed very little over the years. The process is still a time-honored skill known as “cooperage” and the craftsmen are known as “coopers.” The finest whiskeys are aged in only the finest quality whiskey barrels and those barrels are all hand made by professional coopers.
After the best wood is selected, the cooper skillfully splits the oak logs into quarters that are used to make the sections of the whiskey barrel, called “staves.” The staves are seasoned to rid them of odors that could permeate the whiskey. Only staves that have been aged for several years are selected to be cut for assembly. The cooper forms the barrel by assembling the staves inside steel hoops. The partially assembled barrel, called a “rose,” is then placed over a fire and lightly charred. The degree or charring depends on the type of whiskey that will be aged in the barrel. A groove, called a “croze,” is then cut into both ends of the staves and the heads of the whiskey barrel are fit into the croze. After tightening the hoops, the barrel is tested to ensure it is impermeable. The finishing touches include planning and sanding.
Because oak is a very hearty wood, whiskey barrels are also used for a variety of things after they have served their original purposes. Some whiskey barrels are exported to be reused to age whiskey as well as other types of spirits such as tequila and rum. Whiskey barrels that are “retired” are put to use as such things as planters, rain barrels and outdoor furniture. So, next time you are admiring the colorful flowers planted in a half whiskey barrel planter, remember that vary same whiskey barrel may have be used to age your favorite whiskey long before it was a home to that bed of tulips.
