Cooperage is the craft of making barrels and casks, primarily from wood. This process involves shaping wooden staves and assembling them into a cylindrical form, which is then sealed to hold liquids. Cooperage is essential in various industries, especially in the production of beverages like wine and whiskey, where the aging process in wooden barrels enhances flavor. The artisans who practice this craft are known as coopers. They use traditional tools and techniques to create barrels that can vary in size and design, depending on their intended use. The choice of wood, often oak, plays a significant role in the characteristics of the final product.