The Cooper and the Barrel

The art of coopering is an important process in the art & science of rum ageing. The Cooper is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the barrels used for ageing rum, all once used oak barrels. This hammer and purpose built chisel are used for driving the hoops down the barrel.

Once used oak barrels being prepared for filling with rum. Straw helps seal between the staves. Once the hoops are knocked down they'll be filled with rum which is then left to age for anywhere up to 25 years. Ageing in the tropics is about 3 times faster than in temperate climes, so expect the flavour to develop much faster and to lose up to 10% every year from evaporation - the Angel's Share..

Rivets, punches to fasten the hoops

Proud team of Coopers