New Barrels for a new distillery?

[LAKEMONSTER]

Hello ADI community,

I'm the owner of a craft brewery in St. Paul, MN working on adding a distilling component in an adjacent space. Being that we have a brewhouse set up for mash/lauter with beer, single malt/malt whiskey is a big part of our plan. I'm hoping to use a mix of new and used cooperage,  but as I've been reaching out to coopers for pricing and availability I've gotten worried I'm going to be out of luck with new barrels. I've reached out to ISC, Kelvin, Barrel Mill, Black Swan, Speyside, Kentucky Bourbon Barrels and Barrels Unlimited, all have either: 1. not responded at all or 2.said they are 24+ months out and not taking on any new customers. I sweet talked the barrel mill folks ("local MN distillery!") and they said they could maybe squeeze in 2 barrels in 2024 for me.

What are you all seeing in the market for new barrels? Are there any resources I'm not utilizing to find new cooperage? We weren't planning on producing straight Bourbon or Rye as we are set up to process malt, so it's not the end of the world if I'm stuck with used barrels but I like a lot of the craft malt whiskeys I've had with new oak and was hoping to have some of that in my blending stock.

Cheers,

[Triangle Distiller]

I'm seeing the same thing.....I'm able to pinch off a few here and there but alot of the larger distilleries and those with consistent ordering for barrels have scooped them all up. It would be great if a distillery that has over committed would be kind enough to speak up for some little guys - Otherwise, I'll be cuffed and not able to produce bourbon with the grain we ordered.

[BuffaloBink]

Any way to piggie-back/partner with an established distillery and have them up their order for you?

 

[Thatch]

Since there are no new available, does this work for you?

WHISKY DISTILLED FROM BOURBON MASH¹ Whisky produced in the U.S. at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent corn and stored in used oak containers

[Triangle Distiller]

On 8/30/2022 at 10:25 AM, BuffaloBink said:

Any way to piggie-back/partner with an established distillery and have them up their order for you?

 

I'd be up for that but haven't had anyone offer yet. 

[Sudzie]

14 hours ago, Triangle Distiller said:

I'd be up for that but haven't had anyone offer yet. 

Going on vacation for three weeks in October and shutting down production while I am gone.  I may have 36 barrels available if you’re interested. 

[Kindred Spirits]

@Thediamonddistiller there might be some barrels for you if you wanted to scoop them up from @Sudzie

NJ isn't too far from Maine.

[Triangle Distiller]

On 9/1/2022 at 8:10 AM, Sudzie said:

Going on vacation for three weeks in October and shutting down production while I am gone.  I may have 36 barrels available if you’re interested. 

Great! Sent you a PM.

[Will Whalen]

I have 270 new barrels @LAKEMONSTER. feel free to DM me

[Coby Adkins]

We currently have new American, French and Spanish oak barrels available and are taking orders for 2024.  The staves are "wine quality" and air dried 24 to 36 months and never see a kiln.  Please DM me for more details.