Whisky Barrel Rejuvenation by Schoolhill Engineering in Aberdeen, Scotland

The world shortage of used American Whisky Barrels is continuing and as a result of this we at Schoolhill Engineering are seeing a number of Scotch Whisky distillers turning to Whisky Barrel Rejuvenation to satisfy their requirements for better quality used Scotch Whisky barrels.

Barrel Rejuvenation of poorly performing Scottish Whisky barrels has proven to be a cost effective process for the Scotch Whisky Industry, especially when the price of used American whisky barrels is high or in short supply.

These Whisky Barrel Rejuvenation processes can be carried out efficiently and provide excellent results using Schoolhill’s State of the Art Whisky Barrel Rejuvenation equipment.

However, many Scotch Whisky distillers embarking on this path for the first time may not be fully aware that these operations require substantial investment in equipment and labour. Although the process is generally seen as De-Charring old Whisky barrels and then Re-Charring the whisky barrels again, the process is more complex.

Skilled Coopering services will be required to ensure that the Scotch Whisky barrels subjected to these processes are suitable for filing when they are Rejuvenated / DeChared / ReCharged.

The sequence of operations is as follows:
1) Remove Whisky barrel end and quarter hoops.
(these may need to be taken in).
2) Remove at least 1 Whisky barrel end.
3) Replace hoops on the Whisky barrel and tighten.
4) Ensure Whisky barrels have dried out.
5) De-Char + Re-Char the Whisky Barrels.
6) Remove Whisky Barrel hoops.
7) Refit end.
8) Replace hoops and tighten.
9) Pressure test Whisky barrel to ensure leak tight.

Although our recommendation is for Horizontal Whisky  Barrel Charring we are happy to provide systems for Vertical Charring if that is your preference.

Schoolhill continues in our challenge to reduce manual handling and noise in cooperages and has led the way in this for many years.

These machines all offer substantial production improvements, while reducing hammering, hand vibration and workplace noise.

40 years experience in manufacture of wooden barrel machinery. Working with Schoolhill WILL add value to your whisky barrel operations.

Read more about our Scotch Whisky Vertical and Horizontal Barrel Charring process here