What does a cooper do?

A Cooper is a skilled tradesperson who makes and repairs wooden barrels, casks, and other similar containers. Traditionally, Coopers crafted these containers to store and transport liquids like wine, beer, and spirits, as well as dry goods. The job involves selecting appropriate wood, shaping staves, and assembling the parts using specialized tools without using nails or glue. While the demand for Coopers has declined with modern packaging, the craft is still valued in industries such as winemaking and distilling, where wooden barrels are essential for aging and flavoring products.