Robinson Stave/Cumberland Cooperage

02/05/2026

The night shift grading and stacking crew are working in sync as they process a continuous line of staves from the mill. They grade each stave to make sure it meets specifications, discard the rejects and send others down the line for barrel heading. More than 1,000 staves are in each stack, placed strategically to maximize air flow in the drying yard.

01/26/2026

🚨❄️ Robinson Stave KY and Cumberland Cooperage will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday January 27th, 2026, for both 1st and 2nd shifts.❄️🚨

We plan to resume regular business operations Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.

Please stay safe and warm!

01/25/2026

‼️❄️Robinson Stave KY and Cumberland Cooperage will be closed tomorrow, Monday January 26th, 2026 for both 1st and 2nd shifts.❄️‼️

Business will resume as normal on Tuedsday, Januarry 27th, 2026.

Please stay safe and warm!

01/24/2026

‼️❄️Cumberland Cooperage will be closed for the remainder of the weekend due to inclement weather. At this time, we plan to resume operations on Monday. Any updates will be communicated through our messaging system and Facebook.❄️‼️

01/21/2026

Team members Bradley Robinson and Jaxson Lawson are all business as they feed logs through two band saws on night shift. The band saws, or resaws, have a carousel wheel that rotate logs until all usable staves are cut. They also set the pace for the rest of the stave line, running at 120 board feet per minute, or 35 staves.

01/15/2026

Team member Dustin Henson expertly uses a mammoth, laser-guided saw to cut whole white oak logs into halves. The logs are about 38 inches in length, which is the size of a barrel stave. Dustin has been with us for five years, working in a variety of positions at the stave mill.

12/20/2025

Each holiday season we like to recognize and thank our hard-working team members. Our Christmas dinner this week was delicious. Each shift, Night-Day-Weekend-was treated to ham, chicken ’n dumplings, fixin’s and a selection of desserts. Merry Christmas from all of us at Robinson Stave/Cumberland Cooperage!

12/18/2025

🌟 Hey Laurel County & Surrounding Communities! 🌟

We’ve got exciting news for anyone looking for a great opportunity right here in our hometown! 🎉 Robinson Stave and Cumberland Cooperage are hiring and we want YOU to join our team!

💡 We’re on the lookout for new team members to be part of our Weekend PM Maintenance Crew — perfect for folks who want great hours and hands-on work in a supportive environment.

🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing:
✨ Preventative maintenance in our cooperage
🛠️ Working with a great crew
🕕 Friday, Saturday & Sunday
⏰ 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Apply:
https://careers-sazerac.icims.com/jobs/14950/industrial-maintenance-technician/job?mode=view&mobile=false&width=789&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-360&jun1offset=-300

If you’re dependable, ready to work, and looking for an awesome weekend gig with local companies that care, this could be your next step! 🙌

📣 Spread the word — tag a friend who might be a perfect fit!

We're looking for a reliable, qualified Maintenance Technician to join our team at Robinson Stave Company in East Bernstadt, KY. Since 1958, Robinson Stave has been making quality oak bourbon barrels to meet the needs of a burgeoning industry. We are committed and diligent about maintaining the high...

12/02/2025

We strive continuously to improve production and the quality of our barrels. Recently, we began inserting water at a much earlier stage in the process—just before the head is installed. The water helps cool the barrel after charring, which allows staves to form a better seal when the last rings are installed. Team member Joel Yates demonstrates the process. Rotating the barrel with water inside also improves the seal. Previously, water wasn’t added until final leak testing.

11/24/2025

We took time out from production Thursday to enjoy our annual Thanksgiving meal with team members. Cracker Barrel catered a delicious holiday feast with all the trimmings, plus a tasty selection of pies for dessert. Day shift got to eat around 11:30 on lunch break. We set it all up again with fresh food around 4 p.m. so night shift could eat before work. We want to wish all of our team members and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

10/01/2025

We’re proud to be a part of this magnificent milestone. Congratulations Buffalo Trace!