5 Unusual Uses for Old and Repurposed Whisky Casks

I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about old whisky barrels that I find fascinating. Obviously one of the most appealing aspects of them is the fact that they once held glorious whisky within, but that’s not all. Whenever I’m at a distillery I always like to sneak off when I get a spare 5 minutes and just admire their cask stores. Is that odd?

As great as these barrels are for imparting flavour into different drams, eventually there will come a time where each barrel has served its purpose and will effectively need to be retired, or worse still, visit that great big dunnage house in the sky. Now, you can call me daft if you like, but that almost brings a tear to my eye.

Each whisky barrel has not only played a part in creating delicious whisky, it’s helped to make history. Each cask has its own story to tell, which is why throwing it into the bin once it has served its purpose is simply not an option for me.

If you happen to be in possession of old or repurposed whisky barrels, here are a few unusual uses for you to consider.

Garden Planters

As great as upcycling is, it’s not to everybody’s taste and if like me, you’re not the best when it comes to DIY, this first suggestion is perfect as it requires very minimal effort.

Now, this suggestion for a whisky barrel repurposing may seem easy, but it’s also hugely popular, and for good reason. It’s popular because it’s practical and it looks awesome too.

Garden planters made from old whisky casks can be used to grow all manner of things. You can grow your favourite flowers, turn them into herb gardens, grow carrots or other root veg in them, or even plant a small fruit tree in them.

Simply take your old whisky barrel, fill it with good quality soil and/or compost, and then go ahead and plant whatever you like in there. I’d like to say that whatever you grow would be whisky scented, or better yet, whisky flavoured, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Nevertheless, whisky cask planters are rustic, elegant, charming, and practical and look great in all manner of different gardens and settings.

Bar Stools

You know what your garden pub, ‘man cave’ or ‘she shed’ needs? Top quality seating options that’s what. This is where my next suggestion will come in handy.

Old whisky barrels can actually be easily transformed into quality bar stools and chairs, and they don’t require too much work either. All you need to do is style and decorate them to match the décor of where they’re going, add a seating pad, cushion, or upholstery, and stick them wherever you like.

Some people like to keep the barrel in its original condition and simply fit a comfortable cushion or pad onto the top, whereas others prefer to sand the wood, stain it, oil it, or paint it. How you design them is entirely up to you. There’s no right or wrong way, just have fun and choose a design that speaks to you.

Barrel Tables

I honestly can’t tell you the number of times I’ve visited a distillery or tasting room and have found myself leaning on an old upright whisky barrel as I chat away, sipping on a delicious dram at the same time.

Whole whisky barrels are the perfect size for standing height tables that can be used in a variety of different settings. Simply add a flat top securely in place, decorate to your liking and suddenly you’ve got a practical table that’s perfect for any social situation.

To really help drive home the whisky theme, a lot of people tend to pair these tables with whisky bar stools. These really do look great, and I’ve noticed a lot more people using them in their garden shed pubs and home bars in recent years. It certainly beats cheap, plastic, mass-produced furniture with about as much character as a Z-list “influencer” that’s for sure.

Smoker Wood Chunks

Sometimes, whisky barrels will have taken so much damage over the years that they’re simply not structurally stable enough to be used for furniture, ornament, or anything else for that matter. Even then, though, the humble whisky cask can still serve a purpose. What a trooper.

I recently turned 40, and like all men my age, I faced a choice. I could either develop a sudden interest in history, or I could take up smoking meat. Needless to say, I purchased a smoker and have whipped up plenty of amazing pulled pork on it, if I do say so myself.

When smoking meat, you can use a variety of different woods, including mesquite, hickory, apple, cherry, and my personal fav – oak! Rather than using regular oak, I like to use oak chunks made from old whisky barrels that were simply too beaten or battered to serve any other purpose. I hate to burn them, but at least this way they’re serving a purpose and are helping to create some amazing flavours.

Using chunks of oak made from old whisky barrels is a great way of imparting smoky, spicy, nutty, slightly sweet BBQ flavours into your meat. While the food you smoke doesn’t taste of whisky, it certainly has elements of whisky there lingering in the background. Serve it up with some sweet and fruity BBQ sauce and you’ve all the very best elements of a fruity, zingy Speyside and a deep, rich, and smoky Islay combined.

Coffee Tables

Finally, saving arguably the most common use for old whisky barrels until last, we have coffee tables.

Coffee tables made from old whisky barrels are incredibly popular in homes, bars, cafes, pubs, distilleries, tasting rooms, and restaurants all over the globe. They’re popular because they’re practical, and they look absolutely amazing.

Made from repurposed whisky barrels and adorned with smooth, circular, glass tops, they’re ideal for people looking for somewhere to set down their morning cup of coffee, or even their dram of whisky in the evening as they read a book and unwind.

Coffee tables made from old whisky barrels can be made in a number of different sizes and designs. You can have standard glass-top coffee tables that are around knee-height, or you can even have wider ones with hinged doors that open up like chests. These are my personal favs are they’re ideal for keeping your favourite bottles of GreatDrams whisky inside.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Tags: Old CasksRepurposed Whisky CasksUnusual Uses

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.