Illustrated Anatomy of the Barrel Letterpress Print

It Contains Multitudes

33 oak staves, carefully shaped, bound by iron hoops ... and the will of a skillful cooper. For millennia, barrels were used to transport everything from potatoes to potash. Today, their primary purpose is the storage of wine and whisk(e)y. And what a job they do ...

 When liquid enters the barrel, it is young and insipid. But a little time, a little temperature, and magic emerges. The interplay of oak and liquid and time pleases the palate and makes many a merry heart.

Fresh-Pressed in Portland

My salute to the humble barrel is an open-edition print was printed by hand, with love, on  a gluten-powered, hand-fed 1909 Chandler & Price letterpress using mostly soy-based inks. Each color used requires a separate trip through the press. This print uses two inks: a dark brown and a metallic copper.

Just Add Frame

Anatomy of the Barrel is an easily-frameable 8 x 10 inch (20 x 25.4 cm) print - a super common size. Off-the-shelf frames are available at Target, IKEA, or even better - your friendly neighborhood frame shop! No matter which option you choose, this simple, attractive print is perfect for hanging in your kitchen, wine cave, whiskey den, man cave, she shed and/or home bar.

American-made French Paper

The poster is printed on 100% recycled (30% PCW), chlorine-free French brand paper, made in Niles, Michigan. If you're as big a paper nerd as you are a barrel nerd, you'll want to know that it's 125# Muscletone in Starch White Cover Stock.