Abstract: An apparatus and method of using same for toasting wooden barrels may increase efficiency and throughput of barrel toasting. Such an apparatus may include a carousel rotatable about an axis of rotation between a plurality of positions and including a plurality of barrel heating stations arranged about the axis of rotation. Each barrel heating station including a barrel support and an infrared heater configured to heat an inner surface of the wooden barrel supported by the respective barrel support. When in a first position of the carousel, a first barrel heating station is positioned to have a first barrel loaded thereon, and when in a second position of the carousel the first barrel heating station is positioned to have the first barrel removed therefrom. The first barrel is toasted by the infrared heater of the first barrel heating station as the carousel rotates from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A cooperage layout for a barrel production process enhances efficiency and/or reduces costs, space requirements and/or noise by positioning barrel raising, windlass, roll out, and/or bilge hoop puller stations within a cooperage and/or through the use of a power and free conveyor to convey temporary truss hoops between a truss hoop puller station and the barrel raising and windlass stations.