Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting a plurality of workpieces that is arranged relative to first, second, and third reference axes that are perpendicular to each other. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and an input assembly. The cutting assembly includes a chassis, and first and second saw blades movably coupled to the chassis that are configured to respectively cut along first and second cutting planes that are transverse to each other. The input assembly includes a tabletop and first and second clamping mechanisms for clamping the workpieces collectively. The first clamping mechanism includes a first counterpart and a first movable member that is translatable along the first reference axis and translatable relative to the first counterpart. The second clamping mechanism includes a second counterpart and a plurality of second movable members that are each translatable along the second reference axis relative to the second counterpart.

Abstract: A method (10) of making a wood insert (50) from a dismantled stave (20) of a barrel (12), such as a used bourbon barrel. The method (10) comprises the steps of conditioning the exterior surface (24) of a dismantled stave (20); and profiling the conditioned stave (30) to increase its aging surface area. The profiled stave (20) can then be heat treated (e.g., toasted and/or charred) to create the wood insert (50). The insert (50) can be used to integrate a wood flavoring during the aging of an alcoholic beverage, such as a non-bourbon whiskey.

Abstract: A whiskey making method is provided wherein container pressure is controllably varied to mimic, at an increased frequency, the mimic those which occur during cycles of a conventional aging process. To make a whiskey having taste qualities similar to one aged for a conventional aging period (e.g., usually thirty-six months or more), the pressure-varying steps need only be repeated for a period of less than nine months.

Abstract: A method (10) of making a wood insert (50) from a dismantled stave (20) of a barrel (12), such as a used bourbon barrel. The method (10) comprises the steps of conditioning the exterior surface (24) of a dismantled stave (20); and profiling the conditioned stave (30) to increase its aging surface area. The profiled stave (20) can then be heat treated (e.g., toasted and/or charred) to create the wood insert (50). The insert (50) can be used to integrate a wood flavoring during the aging of an alcoholic beverage, such as a non-bourbon whiskey.