Master the near-lost art of coopering by constructing your own oak barrel to age distinctive spirits.
This immersive workshop introduces you to both the artistic and scientific dimensions of barrel making, commonly referred to as coopering. Throughout history, barrels have proven essential for aging spirits; they serve as the primary source of the subtle and varied flavors that give each spirit its distinctive character and complexity. Without the transformative effects of quality barrels and the flavor compounds and smoothness they contribute, we would all be limited to drinking unaged moonshine, which essentially tastes like rubbing alcohol.
Our skilled guides will lead you through the complete coopering process from start to finish. You'll begin by assembling the wooden staves and metal hoops that form the barrel's structural perimeter. Next, you'll use a router table to carefully cut the crozes, which are precisely spaced grooves that hold the barrel heads securely in place. Then comes the dramatic step: you'll use a propane torch to char the interior of your barrel, literally "playing with fire" in a controlled and safe manner. The charred interior wood creates much of the distinctive flavor and rich color that barrels impart to spirits, and you have complete control over how much or how little charring you apply. Following this, you'll perform the final assembly by installing the barrel heads and the tap, plus strategically positioned beeswax to prevent any precious contents from leaking during the aging process. As a creative finishing touch, you'll personalize your barrel using a wood-burning tool.
While coopering skills and techniques form the core of this workshop, you'll also gain knowledge about the rapidly evolving art of aging spirits in barrels. Our guides and professional distilling experts will explain the innovative methods that modern distillers employ to create truly unique spirits, beers, and wines. The creative possibilities are virtually limitless since you can modify almost any aspect of the aging equation: the particular spirit you select, the type of wood for your barrel, the barrel's previous history or condition, and the duration and environmental circumstances of the aging period. In today's market, you can discover beer aged in used bourbon barrels, whiskey aged in former wine barrels, tequila aged in old whiskey barrels, and countless other fascinating combinations. Additionally, as you've probably noticed, many craft bars and upscale restaurants now feature barrel-aged cocktails on their menus. Perhaps you and your handmade barrel will collaborate to create the next trend-setting spirit at your favorite establishment!
You'll find this knowledge especially useful since our partners at Gowanus Wine Merchants, our neighbors and friends, will offer you a special discount when you're ready to purchase your chosen spirit for aging in your barrel. Once you fill your barrel with your selected liquor, it becomes a waiting game as your creation ages gracefully, for whatever duration you decide suits your preferences. When the aging period is complete, you'll be prepared to astonish and delight your friends and family with genuinely one-of-a-kind cocktails that your barrel-making accomplishment made possible!
What You'll Create: A beautifully handcrafted oak barrel, perfectly suited for aging your selection of spirits. Your barrel has a capacity of approximately 2 liters of liquid.
What You'll Accomplish: You will complete all stages of barrel construction: assembly of components, shaping the barrel form, charring the interior to develop flavor, and personalizing your creation before filling it with the spirit of your preference for aging.
Experience Level Required: Beginner; no prior experience in coopering or barrel-making is necessary.
Date Night Experience: You and your guest will craft ONE barrel together and enjoy a pizza and a bottle of wine to share throughout the workshop. At least one participant must be 18 years or older.
Looking for different versions of this workshop? Check out these options:
Click here for the Single Guest version.
- You will create one barrel individually. Any guests under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Click here for the Buddy Up version.
- You and a friend will collaborate to make ONE barrel together. At least one person must be 18 years or older.
