Memphis cooperage plants produce 400000 barrels yearly
In Memphis Tennessee master craftsmen operate one of the world’s largest cooperage plants turning out about 400000 barrels a year. Barrels are made from year aged white oak and kiln dried, weigh 95 pounds empty and 450 pounds full. They are charred inside to age bourbon for at least four years, sometimes eight or ten, and may later be used for Scotch or Canadian whiskey.