Slowly, slowly, slowly. Staves are heated gently over a low fire and bent from an initial “rose” shape into a familiar barrel shape before toasting, via these jaws in the floor (kind of like how corker jaws come together evenly to compress a cork, winemakers). Bending too quickly can result in leaks or mid-stave cracks, so the utmost care must be given. Happy Monday!🍷•
