EPN Breakfast - The Bourbon Barrel Connection - Columbus, Ohio

This EPN Breakfast, co-hosted with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, will highlight the bourbon cooperage industry in Appalachian Ohio and the economic benefits that it is providing to communities in the region.  We will explore the oak-dominated forests of the region and challenges that we face in sustaining them for future generations.   Finally, we’ll introduce you to the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team and our multifaceted approach to sustaining oak-dominated forests across all ownerships. 

Join this program to hear Darren Whitmer (vice president and general manager, Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc.) share about oak barrels and their role in making bourbon, the reasons why white oak is used in bourbon barrels, and the history of Speyside Bourbon Cooperage including its expansion of operations into Appalachian Ohio.  Cotton Randall (cooperative forest management administrator, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry), and Dave Apsley (natural resources specialist, Ohio State University Extension) will explore the oak-dominated forests of the region and challenges that we face in sustaining them for future generations, and introduce us to the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team and its multifaceted approach to sustaining oak-dominated forests across all ownerships. 

In addition, Dan Balser (chief and state forester, ODNR Division of Forestry) will provide opening remarks and Jamie Dahl (forest outreach coordinator, Central State University Extension and McIntire-Stennis Program) will facilitate the audience Q&A session.