#SaveTheStave

HOW WE GIVE BACK

Jess and Ben Loseke hugging a large tree

ROOTED IN SUSTAINABILITY

You buy the barrels. We donate the trees.
From sourcing the best used materials as our product, to giving barrels a second life - we aim to make a positive impact on our customers, our industry, and especially our planet. Doing more with less inspired us to branch into decor, and it got us wondering what else we could do with barrels that didn't make the cut for barrel aging? Cue our next small step, to break down and reduce barrel waste into something more enjoyable for our customers. Now you can savor neighborhood cookouts and block parties with a little taste of Midwest Barrel Co. (whether we get an invite or not).

#SAVETHESTAVE®

At Midwest Barrel Co., growing our business and nurturing our planet go hand-in-hand. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, we’re proud to say we’ve planted 40,000 trees (and counting).

Want to learn more about our previous campaigns? Check out our 2022 and 2023 impact reports!

2024: White Oak Restoration & Preservation Parks Projects

This year, our expanded partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation will focus on vital reforestation efforts. We’ll support the planting of 10,838 trees across diverse landscapes—from recovering coal mining sites in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia to transforming the agricultural fields of Delaware County, Ohio. These projects revive local ecosystems and bolster community spaces, ensuring nature and humans thrive together.

WHY TREES?

The rich history of bourbon all begins with the tree. True story, some distillers attribute up to 70% of the bourbon flavor to the quality of the barrel. Meaning trees are damn important. As facilitators of the craft, we want the tradition and practice of barrel-aged spirits to thrive in future generations. That is why we are on a mission to replace what we take and do our part in preserving the life cycle of the barrel for years to come.
80 Icon
80 YEARS

Oak trees grow on average 60-80+ years before they are harvested.

Barrel Icon
3 BARRELS
Oak trees typically produce a max of three barrels (53-60 gallon) per tree. Sometimes as few as one.
Oak Tree Icon
WHITE OAK
White oak is commonly used to produce barrels because it is hard, medium bending and non porous like other oak woods.
  • 80 Icon
    80 YEARS
    Oak trees grow on average 60-80+ years before they are harvested.
  • Barrel Icon
    3 BARRELS
    Oak trees typically produce a max of three barrels (53-60 gallon) per tree. Sometimes as few as one.
  • Oak Tree Icon
    WHITE OAK
    White oak is commonly used to produce barrels because it is hard, medium bending and non porous like other oak woods.

WHY TREES: BEN’S STORY

Before There Was a Barrel Ben...
Inspired by a legendary forester (Grandpa Keith), Ben developed an interest in plants from a young age. Grandpa and Ben spent hours exploring off the beaten path on plant identification missions. What started as memories and time with his grandpa, turned into a passion for plants encouraging him to pursue a doctorate degree in horticulture. While Dr. Ben’s specialization is actually viticulture (grape growing), trees will always be his passion - both because of the memories they hold with his Grandpa and the impact they make on our world.
Ben Loseke using saw to cut evergreen tree
Proud Supporter of Tree Planting - Arbor Day Foundation

WHY ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION?

Support local & impact the world.
With each little step we take, we become a more responsible business that can do more for our customers. So we joined a worldwide movement with the Arbor Day Foundation to improve water and air quality, slow climate change, and reduce poverty by planting trees – because beyond the smiles and cheers – we want to keep the planet happy too. To do our part, Midwest Barrel Co. donates trees to be replanted when you buy barrels. This partnership helps us move towards a more sustainable planet and chips away at the Arbor Day Foundation’s goal of planting 500 million trees by 2027.

LET’S SAVE THE PLANET.

2024 White Oak Restoration on Private Lands

THE WHERE
Kentucky and West Virgina
THE WHY
The coal mining boom left lasting scars on the forests of Kentucky and West Virginia. Stripped of trees and nutrients, loose soil washes into waterways, impacting residents and wildlife. Reforestation projects are underway, aiming to heal & restore former mining sites. These new trees safeguard watersheds, revive ecosystems, offer sanctuary for imperiled bat species, and provide a haven for wildlife. By reviving these barren lands, we’ll benefit humans and creatures alike.
THE WHO
Arbor Day Foundation & Midwest Barrel Co.
THE WHAT

In partnership with Arbor Day Foundation, Midwest Barrel Co. has committed to planting 1,000 white oak trees on 2 mining sites throughout 2024.

2024 Preservation Parks of Delaware County

THE WHERE
Delaware County, OH
THE WHY

Stripped from farming and lacking in biodiversity, former agricultural fields are now being transformed into thriving forests for public enjoyment. Tree planting efforts are breathing life back into the soil, drawing an abundance of creatures from butterflies to blue jays to the land for food and shelter. The newly established forest offers locals adventure, shelter from urban heat, and environmental benefits, crafting a lasting conservation legacy for generations to come.

THE WHO
Arbor Day Foundation & Midwest Barrel Co.
THE WHAT

Midwest Barrel Co. has committed to planting 9,836 trees this year as part of these efforts alongside Arbor Day Foundation.

OUR GOAL

Restore land in Barrel Country by planting 10,000 trees in 2024!
Map of United States with magnifying glass focused on Kentucky

ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

On a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.