Unlocking the Cask: Annandale Distillery hosts live coopering showcase
The art and science of oak maturation will be on display as Kentucky Master Coopers team up with Annandale’s Cask Custodians on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
Historic Annandale Distillery will host “The Spirit of Bourbon Showcase,” an immersive afternoon celebrating one of whisky’s most vital ingredients: the ex-bourbon cask. Running from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, the event offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how clear, unaged spirit transforms into award-winning single malt.
“Ex-bourbon casks are the bedrock of what we do here and have been at the heart of the Annandale story since our 2014 revival,” explain Cask Custodians Victoria Bonnar and Grant Warwick. “From fresh-fill and refill to our Double-Oaked releases, Bourbon brings out classic vanilla, rich caramel, and soft spice while letting our signature orchard-fruit character shine. Tasting whisky straight from unique casks inside our bonded warehouse offers something special for curious newcomers and experienced whisky aficionado alike.”
“Sourcing and evaluating the finest ex-bourbon oak is where our flavour story truly begins,” adds Toby Appleton, Cask Buyer and Warehouse Supervisor. “Opening up our warehouse to show enthusiasts how these casks mature, gives a rare look at how wood and time shape our single malt.”
Visiting Master Coopers will take centre stage, demonstrating the craft of barrel-making. Guests will stand feet away from the action, building casks from individual oak staves without a single nail or drop of glue, while experts unpack the science of wood-to-spirit flavour transfer.
Event Highlights:
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Live Coopering Demonstrations: Watch Master Coopers craft casks up close.
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Exclusive Warehouse Tastings: Sample whisky straight from selected ex-bourbon casks, in a tasting hosted by Alex Mackie of Annandale’s Sensory Evaluation Panel.
-
1836 Distillery Tour: Explore Annandale’s history, followed by a guided tasting of four single cask malts.
-
Meet the Team: Connect with the experts overseeing the distillery’s maturing stocks.
-
Food and Music: Enjoy handmade food and live music in the amphitheatre.
Event Details & Booking Information
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When: Saturday, 5th September 2026 | 1:00pm – 7:00pm
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Where: Annandale Distillery, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, DG12 5LL
-
Tickets: £55 per person (Includes guided tastings, tour, food, live music, and return station transport via coach from Annan train station)
To secure your place, call 01461 207817 or visit here.
The art and science of oak maturation will be on display as Kentucky Master Coopers team up with Annandale’s Cask Custodians on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
Historic Annandale Distillery will host “The Spirit of Bourbon Showcase,” an immersive afternoon celebrating one of whisky’s most vital ingredients: the ex-bourbon cask. Running from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, the event offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how clear, unaged spirit transforms into award-winning single malt.
“Ex-bourbon casks are the bedrock of what we do here and have been at the heart of the Annandale story since our 2014 revival,” explain Cask Custodians Victoria Bonnar and Grant Warwick. “From fresh-fill and refill to our Double-Oaked releases, Bourbon brings out classic vanilla, rich caramel, and soft spice while letting our signature orchard-fruit character shine. Tasting whisky straight from unique casks inside our bonded warehouse offers something special for curious newcomers and experienced whisky aficionado alike.”
“Sourcing and evaluating the finest ex-bourbon oak is where our flavour story truly begins,” adds Toby Appleton, Cask Buyer and Warehouse Supervisor. “Opening up our warehouse to show enthusiasts how these casks mature, gives a rare look at how wood and time shape our single malt.”
Visiting Master Coopers will take centre stage, demonstrating the craft of barrel-making. Guests will stand feet away from the action, building casks from individual oak staves without a single nail or drop of glue, while experts unpack the science of wood-to-spirit flavour transfer.
Event Highlights:
-
Live Coopering Demonstrations: Watch Master Coopers craft casks up close.
-
Exclusive Warehouse Tastings: Sample whisky straight from selected ex-bourbon casks, in a tasting hosted by Alex Mackie of Annandale’s Sensory Evaluation Panel.
-
1836 Distillery Tour: Explore Annandale’s history, followed by a guided tasting of four single cask malts.
-
Meet the Team: Connect with the experts overseeing the distillery’s maturing stocks.
-
Food and Music: Enjoy handmade food and live music in the amphitheatre.
Event Details & Booking Information
-
When: Saturday, 5th September 2026 | 1:00pm – 7:00pm
-
Where: Annandale Distillery, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, DG12 5LL
-
Tickets: £55 per person (Includes guided tastings, tour, food, live music, and return station transport via coach from Annan train station)
To secure your place, call 01461 207817 or visit here.