Before we visited the Otard chateau where fine VSOPs and XOs are made, we were given an informative tour of how one of the basic and essential ingredient of Cognac is made - the oak barrel. It was indeed one of my best cultural trip back in spring 2005.
Beautiful town of Cognac.
Some ready barrels at the entrance of the factory.
Stacks of oak planks being aged in the open air for the barrels...they will be sorted out again later to make a fine quality oak barrel. Much attention to given to these artisan product as the quality of the oak barrels itself has profound influence on the quality of the cognac being aged inside it.
Charring was done to the inner surface of the oak barrels to promote a less porous barrel.
Assembling the barrel from planks...
Oak planks being chosen...
The oak planks carefully chosen and aligned to start the assembly process of oak barrels.
Topside done...bottom's still waiting...
Rows of barrels ready for further treatment...
Detail of the inner side of the oak barrel - it is not smooth but ridged to allow greater interaction surface with its precious contents.
Jamming in the lid to shut the barrel. Shiny metal rings replace the cast metal ones used to structure the barrels earlier on in the assembly.
Beautifully cut oak wood panels for the lid...got to keep a fragment from the oak barrel lids as a souvenir. Fab, absolutely.
Leakage was tested before the spinning...
Putting the barrel up for a spin test.
Some VERY huge barrels for lots of wine there...
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