Brown-Forman Cooperage to Open for Tours

jack barrel Brown Forman Cooperage to Open for Tours Cool news from Louisville, Kentucky where we can now see the making of the barrels that are hand-crafted for the aging of spirits such as Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Early Times, Canadian Mist, as well as El Jimador and Herradura Tequilas. Brown-Forman is the distiller responsible for the creation of those brands, and is the only spirits company in the world to make its own barrels.

Until recently, the plant was known as Blue Grass Cooperage, but Brown-Forman founded the cooperage in 1945, and since then a great deal of technology has been added to enable the production of more than 1,500 barrels per day.

“We know oak barrels were introduced to the world by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago,” said Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. “The Romans obviously didn’t have the technology we have available today, but we are still following the same processes they followed back then.” “The aromatic smells are the best part of the tour,” added Morris. “By toasting and charring these barrels, we activate natural flavors and aromas in the wood which give our spirits such distinct tastes.”

From start to finish, much of the making of the American white oak barrels is a trip inside is a step back in time. All Brown-Forman Cooperage tours must be setup in advance through Mint Julep Tours by calling (502) 583-1433 . Also available through Mint Julep Tours is the “All Woodford, All Day Tour” which will include transportation to both the Brown-Forman Cooperage and Woodford Reserve Distillery, a tour guide host, admission to both venues and lunch.