Plzeňský Prazdroj coopers begin traditional barrel maintenance

Coopers at the Plzeňský Prazdroj brewery in Pilsen have begun the traditional autumn maintenance of 17 massive oak lager barrels. These 40-hectoliter barrels, which weigh approximately 900 kilograms each, are brought up from historical cellars twice a year for a process known as tarring.

During this procedure, coopers pour resin heated to 200 degrees Celsius into the barrels, rolling them to ensure an even coating on the interior surface. This layer acts as a disinfectant and prevents the beer from coming into direct contact with the wood, ensuring the beverage does not absorb unwanted flavors or odors. The resin used is a blend sourced from pine trees in China, Canada, and the United States.

Master cooper Karel Hofman noted that with proper care, these barrels can serve for decades. The entire process of bringing the barrels to the surface, tarring them, and returning them to the cellars takes the eight-person team approximately two weeks to complete.