After Distillation and the production of new make spirit, Oak Casks have to be secured for the process of Maturation, whereby the distillate/ new make spirit has to be stored for a minimum period of 3 years before it can be called Scotch Whisky (for both malt and grain) in Scotland.
“With 60-80% of the rich flavours of our whiskies coming from oak casks, coopers play an integral role in creating the heady aromas and lingering finishes of our most popular single malts.” Alan Winchester, Master Distiller – The Glenlivet
Coopers
There are many important jobs within the Scotch Whisky industry, but one vital role is that of the cooper. The art of coopering the casks using hand tools is a craft in itself, involving skills and knowledge that must be passed down from one generation to the next.
The cooper trade goes back many years to antiquity and the word cooper itself is thought to derive from the Latin word cupa, meaning vat. At one time, there would have been tens of thousands of coopers working in Britain, making casks for the preservation and transportation of all sorts of commodities.
The number of coopers in the Scotch whisky industry has declined since the heyday of 1980 when 1,017 coopers were employed in Scotland, although thankfully it is currently higher than its low point of 188 coopers in 2005 (due to the closure of two cooperage sites by Diageo). Increasing mechanisation – and the use of metal casks for storing beer in the Brewing Industry – are the reasons for the decline in coopers across the UK. On a more positive note, there will always be a need for the judgment of a human eye and the skill of a human hand.
Sourcing Casks for Maturation
Supply and Demand dictate the availability and price of these oak casks, with producers having to take into account the future demand for their products into consideration – no easy task!
A key challenge for producers is the sourcing of quality oak casks, and with the overwhelming majority of whisky being matured in used or second-hand barrels made from American Oak (i.e. Ex-Bourbon casks) the extract below from the ISC Barrels blog looking specifically into Used Barrels sourced from Cooperages or Brokers illustrates this choice.
All barrels are casks, but not every cask is a barrel. A barrel is a specific type and size of cask (around 180-200L)
Used Barrel Cooperage: Craftsmanship and Consistency are Key
The goal of a used barrel cooperage is to extend the lifespan of barrels by procuring, refurbishing, and reselling barrels that have been previously used for ageing bourbon (or other spirits and wines). The coopers on site prepare freshly dumped barrels for their next use by inspecting, cleaning, and repairing. Throughout that process, each barrel is simultaneously undergoing quality checks to ensure it’s liquid-tight and meets quality standards; providing distilleries, wineries, and breweries with reliable products that contribute to maturation. This hands-on approach gives buyers sound peace of mind, knowing that the barrels they acquire have been properly cared for and are in optimal condition.
Barrel Broker: The Facilitator
A barrel broker acts as a facilitator between the used barrel market and buyers. Brokers take on a more transactional role and handle the logistics—sourcing, negotiating prices, and ensuring delivery. Brokers do not typically have facilities for refurbishing barrels. Instead, they rely on industry connections to source barrels from distilleries, wineries, or other producers, giving them the ability to procure barrels from diverse origins and matching them with buyers. This can be useful for buyers looking for specific barrel types quickly or willing to accept some variability in barrel condition.
Which Option is Right for You?
The choice between a used barrel cooperage and a barrel broker depends largely on the buyer’s specific needs. A barrel broker may be suitable if you prioritise flexibility in sourcing barrels from varied origins without the need for hands-on care or origin traceability. Brokers can offer more variety, but the quality of each barrel may vary based on its source and previous use.
Conversely, if you are looking for consistent quality, assurance of condition, and barrels that have been carefully maintained and repaired, a used barrel cooperage would better suit those needs.
The focus on quality control, consistency, and craftsmanship ensures reliable results for maturation projects. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision based on your needs—whether you value the wide network of a barrel broker or the craftsmanship of a used barrel cooperage.
Please note that I work with casks in the UK representing both Tonnellerie Quintessence in Bordeaux, France (part of ISC) and Tanoaria Josafer in Esmoriz, Portugal to help supply their casks by understanding the requirements of customers locally – if you want to have a chat, please contact me at [email protected]
More to follow on the next Inside the Cask blog post – ‘Whisky Maturation – It is All About the Oak Casks: Cask Types’
After all the work involved in its production, it is time to let the new make spirit rest until it emerges out as Scotch whisky…
For Reference and further reading:
- ISC Barrels – Oak Species for Cooperage
- ISC Barrels – Barrel Profiling – Part 1
- ISC Barrels – the Role of Oxygenation in Barrel Aged Spirits – Part 1
- ISC Barrels – Char Level and Double Barreling
- ISC Barrels – Extractive Concentration Changes During Maturation
- ISC Barrels – Esters: The Unsung Heroes of the Single Barrel
- ISC Barrels – Oak 101: Seasoning and its Impact on Flavour Development
- ISC Barrels – European Oak: Exception Flavour, Exceptional Value
- ISC Barrels – Used Barrel Cooperage vs. Barrel Broker: Understanding the Difference
- Independent Stave Company (ISC) Barrels (USA)
- Tonnellerie Quintessence (Bordeaux, France)
- Tanoaria Josafer (Esmoriz, Portugal)
- Inside the Cask – Quarter Cask Insights #1
- Inside the Cask – Quarter Cask Insights #7
- Inside the Cask – the Auld Art of Coopering
- WhiskyDrinks.net – Edrington secures Sherry Casks
- The Whiskey Wash – The Heat of the Moment: Charred Barrel vs. Toasted Barrel
- The Glenlivet – Whisky Maturation: The Importance of Oak Cask
- Publication – The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the Distilling Industry in Kentucky prepared for the Kentucky Distillers’ Association
- Publication – Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey by Michael R. Veach
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