ZAK Cooperage Barrel FAQs
Welcome to the ZAK Cooperage FAQ page. Here, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our barrels, processes, and cooperage services. Whether you’re curious about our barrel crafting techniques, our commitment to sustainability, or how to place an order, you’ll find the information you need right here. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
ZAK stands for Zimlich’s Athertonville, Kentucky Cooperage. In 1990, the Zimlich family purchased the decommissioned distillery in Athertonville (DSP-KY-20) at an auction from National Distillers and began converting it into a stave mill and cooperage.
ZAK Cooperage was established by the Zimlich family in Athertonville, Kentucky in 1990. With our combined industry experience we have consistently provided high-quality cooperage solutions to distillery partners across the world for decades.
We offer a range of 53-gallon barrels, from cost-competitive standard barrels to exceptional quality premium air-seasoned barrels. Our options include custom toasting levels (Light, Medium, or Heavy) and char levels (#1 to #5). We have access to local Appalachian white oak, Chinquapin oak, and some specialty imported oaks from around the world, and more. Contact us to learn more about our offerings and how we can meet your specific needs.
All of our standard barrels are made with approximately 6-month air-seasoned staves, which are then kiln-dried to our desired working moisture content level. We also offer a wide range of premium air-seasoned staves, with seasoning periods ranging from 18 months to 48+ months, depending on customer requirements.
All of our barrels at ZAK Cooperage are new standard 53-gallon (200 liters) American whiskey barrels. They have a height of 35.25 inches, a bilge circumference of approximately 80 inches, and a diameter of 25.5 inches.
Requesting a quote is easy! Simply fill out the form on our contact page, email us at Zach.Zimlich@gmail.com, or call us at 502-549-9663. We look forward to assisting you with all your barrel cooperage needs.
Yes, ZAK Cooperage ships barrels internationally. We are committed to providing our high-quality barrels to distillery partners around the world. Please contact us for more information on international shipping options and requirements.
All of our barrels are made to order. Standard orders are typically delivered within approximately 2 weeks. Custom barrel orders can take upwards of 4 weeks to complete.
We source our American white oak from a 100-mile radius around our log yards in central and eastern Kentucky. This region’s limestone-rich soil provides the ideal conditions for healthy white oak growth, contributing to the distinctive flavor profiles of our barrels. Sourcing locally also benefits the nearby communities, supports our local loggers, and promotes proper forest management in our region for future generations.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer tours to the general public at this time.