the way casks are stored..?

Interesting link. Looks like palletized storage.

It's much easier for a fork lift driver to move pallets of casks than for workmen to roll several off a rack, or "rick". Say, when one has sprung a leak and needs attention...

But a cask sitting upright exposes a little less surface area to the flow of air and may mature a bit more slowly...?

I don't have any direct knowlege of the way casks are stored in Ireland but I suspect there are still traditional warehouses in use at Midleton, and perhaps Bushmills also.

Bart