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Midwest Barrel Company logo

FAQs

QUALITY AND CONDITION STANDARDS

At Midwest Barrel Co., quality is everything. Every barrel goes through a rigorous quality assurance process, starting with detailed visual inspections and checks against our live specification sheet to make sure each cask meets our high standards. Barrels are stored in a clean, climate-controlled warehouse.

Our barrels are freshly emptied, having previously held bourbon, rye, or American whiskey sourced from your favorite American distilleries. From the moment they’re emptied, they’re in good hands—stored in a clean, climate-controlled warehouse to maintain their quality and integrity until they’re ready to head your way.

Absolutely. Quality isn’t just a priority to us—it’s a promise. Every barrel is individually inspected by our in-house Barrel Quality Assurance Specialist and hand-stamped with our "Damn. Good. Barrels.™" seal before it leaves our warehouse. When you see that stamp, you know you’re receiving a barrel that meets the industry's highest standards and carries the Midwest Barrel Co. quality guarantee. We don’t just aim to meet expectations—we set them.

VENDOR RELATIONSHIP AND SUPPORT

Getting started is easy! Just reach out to us through our International Sales Form with details on the barrel type, quantity, and shipping destination. Our friendly staff will take it from there and make sure you get exactly what you need.

You bet! We’ve worked with distilleries all over the globe, and their feedback is the best testament to what we do. See for yourself on our International Barrels page, where folks like John from West Cork and David from Fairly Traded Organics share how Midwest Barrel Co. made a difference for them.


SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The act of sourcing used barrels and guiding them to their next purpose is recycling in itself—sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We know that every barrel not only has a history but also a future.

We’re passionate about getting barrels from distilleries as soon as they’re emptied, while that freshly soaked oak is in prime condition to take on its next aging adventure. This commitment maximizes each barrel’s lifespan, extending it for another 40+ years in distilleries around the world—from Scotland and Ireland to craft breweries across the U.S.

Barrels deserve a second act—and we’re here to make it happen. Casks that aren’t fit to age another spirit are crafted into something new, whether it’s flavorful BBQ smoking wood, rustic furniture, or creative décor. Around here, nothing goes to waste. By keeping barrels in use, we’re reducing waste and honoring the oak trees they came from.

But we don’t just honor the oak’s past; we’re invested in its future, too. That’s why we started our #SaveTheStaveⓇ tree-planting initiative. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, we’ve planted tens of thousands of trees (and counting). Every time you buy a barrel, you’re helping us plant roots—literally—for a sustainable future. 

We believe growing our business and nurturing our planet go hand-in-hand, which is why we’re committed to protecting what matters most: the barrels, the trees, and the legacy of barrel-aged spirits.

Read more about how we’re making a difference here.

LOGISTICS AND SHIPPING

We ship all barrels from Louisville, KY, and offer flexible shipping options like CIF, EXW, and FOB to fit your needs. Prefer to handle the shipping yourself? No problem—you can arrange your own transport (EXW). Just share the destination port details, and we'll ensure everything goes smoothly so your barrels arrive on time.

To track your order, just reach out via email to our International Logistics Coordinator. He’ll be happy to help you keep an eye on your barrels every step of the way.

Our standard barrels hold 53 gallons and measure 26" x 26" x 35" (66 cm x 66 cm x 89 cm). A 20 ft. container can hold around 80 barrels, while a 40 ft. container can fit about 210 barrels.

We take care of all the paperwork so you don’t have to. That includes everything from phytosanitary certificates, bills of lading (B/L), certificates of origin (COO), commercial invoices, and any other documents required to import barrels into your specific country. A small documentation fee applies, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

PRICING AND COST MANAGEMENT

Reach out directly to our international sales team for detailed pricing info and potential bulk discount options. They’ll make sure you’re getting the best value for your barrel needs. You can reach out here.

We believe in keeping things simple and straightforward—no surprises here. All pricing and fees, including shipping and handling, are clearly laid out and discussed upfront, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

We typically accept payment via Wire Transfer or ACH, and we’re flexible with terms based on your needs. Payment terms are negotiated on a customer-by-customer basis to ensure a hassle-free experience.

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