About us
Since its creation, Kelvin Cooperage has supplied leading distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, and around the world — building its reputation on precision, reliability, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
In 1991, the company relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, placing Kelvin Cooperage at the heart of Bourbon Country and at the center of the world’s finest American white oak resources.
In September 2023, Kelvin Cooperage joined the Charlois Group — a global leader in oak expertise — marking a new chapter of strategic growth while preserving the company’s heritage, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence.
Today, alongside Paul McLaughlin, Kelvin Cooperage continues to evolve while staying true to the traditions and craftsmanship that define its identity.
A Unique Position in Louisville
Today, Kelvin Cooperage is the only full-service new and used barrel cooperage based in Louisville, Kentucky. This unique location allows our team to work in close proximity to the distilleries we serve, fostering collaboration, responsiveness, and long-term partnerships.
From Kentucky bourbon to international spirits, we supply both new and used barrels to leading premium distilleries worldwide, complemented by comprehensive cask management services, dedicated technical expertise and tailored solutions.
Vertical Integration & Oak Mastery
All staves used in Kelvin Cooperage barrel production are sourced from Graf Brothers, a key company within the Charlois Group since 2024 and the world’s leading specialist in quarter- and rift-sawn American white oak.
In June 2025, Charlois established the OAKING group, bringing together Kelvin Cooperage and Graf Brothers, two complementary players in the American oak industry. Graf Brothers contributes its expertise in American white oak sourcing and stave production, while Kelvin Cooperage represents the craftsmanship of barrel making and the production of casks for distilleries.
OAKING’s vertically integrated model — from carefully selected forests to precise stave production and cooperage — ensures a secure, fully traceable supply of exceptional American white oak while reinforcing long-term consistency and quality control.
Circular Oak Commitment
At Kelvin Cooperage, sustainability is not an afterthought — it is embedded in the lifecycle of every barrel. As part of the OAKING Group, we operate within a fully integrated circular model designed to maximize material value, extend product lifespan, and minimize environmental impact.
We are committed to:
- Barrel reconditioning and lifespan extension through expert technical intervention
- Reuse and transformation of wood components, including staves, heads, and hoops
- Material recovery processes that reduce waste and optimize resource efficiency
- Lowering environmental impact through systematic reuse and oak recycling
When barrels reach the end of their functional life, they are repurposed into:
- Oak chips and alternative oak products
- Raised staves for further applications
- Furniture and decorative elements
- Biomass and green energy solutions
Through this approach, 100% of the barrel’s material can be recovered, repurposed, or recycled — closing the natural loop of oak.
