Who's still using them? I came across an article the other day featuring the cooper at Wadworth's, who reckoned he was the last working master cooper in the brewing industry. I didn't know Waddies still had any wooden casks. I thought it was down to just Sam Smith's and Theakston's, but then the chap at Waddies used to be at Theakston's, so presumably they've stopped using wood.
-- Pat Ricroft, City of Salford, UK ===============================
Hartley’s of Ulverston used to advertise their “Beer from the Wood”. Are the still around? This was years & years ago.
No, they were taken over by Robinson's of Stockport years and years ago. And closed down. Now just a brand name; not sure there's even a depot there now.
-- Pat Ricroft, City of Salford, UK ================================
Oh dear. I suppose you’re next going to tell me there’s no more Yates & Jacksons.
I was at a really interesting presentation by the Master of the Royal Soc of Coopers last year - he was from Wadworth's.
There are more of them still working but bviously loads fewer and they are trying to support apprentices to keep the craft going.
They asked us to promote wooden casks, and to try and locate any unused cooperage tools to loan to the apprentices until they bought their own.
How did you get to know about the event? Where is it held? Is it open to all comers?
It was organised for a CAMRA meeting that I attended.
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