This engaging and hands-on workshop offers a thorough and comprehensive introduction to both the artistic dimensions and scientific principles underlying barrel making, professionally known as coopering. Throughout human history, barrels have proven absolutely integral to the proper aging of spirits because they fundamentally provide the intricate, complex, and subtle flavors that make each spirit truly distinctive and genuinely enjoyable. Without the absolutely essential contribution that quality barrels make, along with the smooth, carefully developed, nuanced flavors they consistently deliver over time, we would all be regrettably forced to consume raw, unrefined moonshine, which essentially tastes indistinguishable from rubbing alcohol and nothing more than that.
Our highly skilled expert guides will methodically walk you through every single phase and stage of the comprehensive coopering process from beginning to end. You'll begin your journey by carefully assembling the precisely cut wooden staves and sturdy metal hoops that collectively form your barrel's distinctive outer structure. You'll then proceed to use a professional router table to meticulously cut the crozes, which are the specifically positioned grooves where the barrel heads are held securely and firmly in place. Next comes the most exciting phase; you'll enthusiastically engage in "playing with fire" as you skillfully use a controlled propane torch to gradually and artfully char the interior surface of your custom barrel in a carefully supervised and safe workshop setting. The charred wood interior is fundamentally responsible for creating most of the distinctive flavor profiles and rich color characteristics that barrels transfer and impart to spirits, giving you complete flexibility to choose your precise desired level of charring intensity. You'll then carefully complete all final assembly work by professionally attaching the barrel heads and installing the functional tap component, plus strategically applying food-grade beeswax at key structural spots to reliably protect against any potential leakage during the extended aging period. Throughout every step of the construction process, you and your cooperating partner will be able to add distinctive personal touches and artistic details to your barrel using a traditional wood-burning tool.
Beyond mastering the technical skills of coopering itself, you'll also receive valuable education about the dynamic, rapidly evolving, and remarkably innovative world of aging spirits in barrels. Our knowledgeable guides and certified expert distillers will thoroughly describe and explain exactly how contemporary and modern distillers leverage specialized barrels to craft innovative, distinctive spirits, craft beers, and unique wines that capture consumer imagination. The creative options available are extraordinarily varied and virtually unlimited as each individual element of the carefully controlled aging process can be precisely adjusted and customized: the particular type of spirit you select, the specific wood composition and grain of your barrel, the barrel's current condition and its complete previous use history, plus the exact duration and precise storage conditions and temperatures maintained during aging. Contemporary spirits markets feature compelling examples of beer aged in old bourbon casks, premium whiskey aged in former wine casks, artisanal tequila aged in old whiskey barrels, and numerous other fascinating and unique combinations that showcase creative innovation. You've likely encountered this exciting growing trend in craft bars and upscale restaurants that now prominently serve barrel-aged cocktails on their premium cocktail menus. Your personally handmade barrel could potentially help create the next signature spirit or trending craft cocktail at your favorite neighborhood bar or establishment!
This comprehensive expertise and knowledge will prove tremendously valuable and immediately practical when you make the visit to our trusted partner, Gowanus Wine Merchants, our welcoming neighbors and cherished friends, who will generously extend a meaningful special discount to you when you're ready for purchasing premium spirits to age in your custom barrel. Once your carefully constructed barrel is completely filled with your personally selected and preferred liquid spirit, you enter the classic "hurry up and wait" phase while your creation ages gracefully and develops its character, for whatever timeframe and duration you personally select. When the aging process is finally complete, and your spirit has reached its optimal flavor profile, you'll be able to genuinely impress and delight your friends and family with truly exceptional one-of-a-kind and distinctive cocktails made uniquely possible by your accomplished barrel-making expertise and hands-on workshop skills!
Buddy Up Format: You and a friend will collaborate to create ONE barrel together as co-creators. At least one person in your pair must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
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Finished Product: A handmade oak barrel ideal for aging your own spirits. The barrel holds approximately 2 liters of liquid.
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Your Workshop Activities: You'll assemble, shape, char, and personalize your barrel before filling it with the spirit of your choice to begin the aging journey.
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Skill Requirements: Beginner; no previous experience is required to participate.
Looking for alternative workshop formats? Explore these options:
Click here for the Single Guest version.
- You will create one barrel as an individual. Guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Click here for the Date Night version.
- You and your guest will craft ONE barrel together and enjoy pizza and a bottle of wine to share during the workshop. At least one person must be 18 years or older.
