Gibbs Brothers Cooperage

Background & Legacy

Located at 113 Overton Street in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Gibbs Brothers Cooperage has built a reputation as one of the enduring American cooperages specializing in white-oak barrels and kegs.

The term cooperage refers to the craft and process of making wooden barrels and kegs—traditionally by hand by skilled coopers. Gibbs Brothers has been carrying this tradition forward in the century-old American cooperage craft. According to their website, the company has “over 100 years experience in the cooperage industry.”

Historical Highlights

• In 1927, a barrel and keg mill under the Gibbs name was established at the intersection of Overton and Cross Streets in Hot Springs.
• Over time, the firm shifted from producing its own staves to assembling barrels using purchased staves—the shift away from in-house stave production in Arkansas is noted in historical industry overview.
• While the business listing notes a founding date around 1950 for incorporation in its current form, the craft roots extend significantly further back given the “over 100 years” claim.

What They Do Today

Gibbs Brothers specializes in “tight” white oak barrels and kegs—meaning vessels constructed to hold liquids rather than simply for storage or dry goods. Their offerings cater not only to large craft distilleries and wineries, but also to smaller producers and even home-brewers. For example, smaller oak barrels (1½ to 5 gallon sizes) are noted in home-brewing circles referencing Gibbs Brothers.

Their products include:

• White oak barrels for spirits/wine aging
• Kegs and furniture-style barrels (as seen in their online shop)
• Custom or specialized barrels (e.g., for bespoke maturation work in the whiskey world) — Gibbs Brothers is referenced in articles about premium cooperage work.

Why It Matters for Arkansas Liquor Industry

For Arkansas and the broader spirits industry in the region, Gibbs Brothers represents a local source of cooperage expertise—meaning lower logistics cost, local craftsmanship, and regional heritage. Distillers looking to age bourbon, whiskey, or specialty spirits can tap into this Arkansas-based cooperage rather than relying solely on out-of-state barrel makers.

Their longstanding presence and reputation also signal trust and stability, which is valuable when selecting barrels for aging high-value spirits. Furthermore, the fact that they handle smaller barrel sizes is relevant for craft distillers or finishing programs where smaller barrels accelerate wood-spirit interaction.

Visiting & Contact Info

• Address: 113 Overton St, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901
• Phone: (501) 623-8881
• Website: gibbsbrotherscooperage.net

Key Takeaways for Bourbon & Spirits Clubs (e.g., AR-based)

• If your club or distillery is assessing barrel-sources for aged spirits or limited releases, Gibbs Brothers is a locally rooted option worth exploring.
• Their century-plus of craft suggests a depth of experience with barrel aging needs (especially in oak).
• For club members or volunteers involved in selecting barrels, knowing the supplier’s heritage adds storyline and value—for example referencing an Arkansas-based cooperage with deep roots.
• For limited-bottle programs, smaller barrels or custom sizes from Gibbs Brothers could support unique aging programs or finishing trials that differentiate your release.