The coopers of Pilsen begin their historic annual barrel-making
At Pilsner Brewery, new coopers are initiated with a symbolic slap or a strike on a handcrafted barrel. After three years of training, they join the eight-member cooperage team. The ceremony takes place during the traditional tarring of oak barrels, which disinfects them and helps preserve the beer’s flavor.
The coopers heated the barrel to help the pitch adhere better. Petr Tůma, head of historical crafts, described the pitching process to Czech Radio:
"We pour about 40 liters of heated pitch into the barrel, at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. The mixture includes three types of pine resin, along with paraffin and medicinal oil. If we used resin alone, it would be too brittle for barrel use," explains Tůma.
The group of men closed the barrel and turned it upside down, a process known as "štorcovali." The reason for this is to spread the resin over the entire inner surface. Tůma continues:
"Now we pour the excess resin out of the barrel. Our team consists of eight coopers. With this number, they are able to handle the large lager barrel, which can weigh between 900 and 1,000 kilograms."
To become a cooper, you must be a carpenter, joiner, or woodworker. Then they spend three years learning the cooper's craft.
Apprenticeship to master craftsman
Jan Fencl is one of eight coopers in the group. Currently an apprentice, he will soon begin training under a master cooper.
Thirty-seven-year-old Fencl then received his apprenticeship certificate and journeyman's book from Karel Hofman, master cooper of Pilsen, which once entitled coopers to apply for work throughout Austria-Hungary.
Master Hofman also gives the new member of the team a symbolic slap on the head. Jan Fencl then taps a keg he made himself and toasts the entire cooperage team.
"I am a trained carpenter. When I was in my third year of school, I read an article in the newspaper about local Pilsen coopers for the first time and decided that I would like to do this historical craft one day."
"It took many years to gain the necessary experience and be able to apply for the position. Then, with a little luck, I joined a great team of coopers. Of course, it's a joy, it warms my heart that I can finally say I'm a master cooper," concludes newly-minted cooper Fencl.
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