This morning we set off in dry and warm enough weather to the Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie. I have only a vague understanding of what a cooperage is, or perhaps was. I had thought coopers were no more, having been sold this deception somewhere in the Midlands when we lived near Burton-on-Trent; brewery heaven back in those days. Nowadays decent breweries are ten a penny thanks to Camra. So I am intrigued to arrive at Speyside Cooperage. It was founded by the Taylor family in 1947. It is the largest independent Cooperage in the UK with branches in Alloa, Kentucky and Ohio. By the early 90's the company had outgrown its initial premises in the heart of Craigellachie and relocated in 1991 to the present location on the outskirts of the village.
A year later the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre opened within the Cooperage complex. It is a jolly good thing, offering us chance to view this ancient craft first hand. In 2008 the Cooperage was taken over by the french Tonnellerie Francois Freres Group and became part of their family of Cooperage. Here is the view from the building, please note the French and Scottish Flags at the entrance.
We watch the Coopers from a viewing gallery, as if they were fish in a tank. They are still using many traditional methods. They seem unruffled by our presence. On piece work (‘old fashioned’ declares my old labour chum), they are busy shaping, shaving and charring casks for what is an integral part of the whisky industry. (not the breweries)
Oak is the only wood that can be used for casks as it prevents seepage whilst allowing the contents to breathe. There are over fifty species of oak growing worldwide but only a few are suitable; the oak being used at the cooperage is sourced from Kentucky. As well as being ideal for the job, bizarrely, it is ten per cent of the price of British oak. I think of the impact on the climate in terms of transporting trees from the US.
Oak is the only wood that can be used for casks as it prevents seepage whilst allowing the contents to breathe. There are over fifty species of oak growing worldwide but only a few are suitable; the oak being used at the cooperage is sourced from Kentucky. As well as being ideal for the job, bizarrely, it is ten per cent of the price of British oak. I think of the impact on the climate in terms of transporting trees from the US.
The origins of the coopers craft go back more than five thousand years. The highly skilled coopers undergo a four year apprenticeship. A cask can have a life span of up to sixty years, re-visiting the Cooperage several times for inspection and repair. The quality and flavour of good whisky depends not only on water, barley, distillation but also, the cask in which it matures for at least three years. Speyside is dotted with vast numbers of distilleries. I think it is a fascinating setting and lovely to see real manufacturing but I really don't like whisky!
After lunch in the nice little café on site, we decide on the second treat of the day.
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