Our favourite whisky barrel products for 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, we thought we'd take a look back at some of our favourite products created this year. 

As you may know, all our products are individually designed and made by master craftsman, Ali Fakourpoor in our woodworking studio in East Dunbartonhire just outside Glasgow. Every barrel is different which makes each piece created one of a kind.

We love a challenge at Reza Wood Designs so when we have the chance to work on a special project or a new design we can get very excited about it!  Whisky Barrels are so great to work with and as far as product creation goes, this may have been our most innovative year so far. I hope you enjoy this look back over 2018.

Whisky Barrel Bar Stool

These lovely bar stools were first created for one of our customers who wanted to create a Jamaican rum bar in their kitchen.  Making these is a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle, trying to find pieces with the same curve that will fit together.  We were so pleased with the final result though and these are Ali's personal favourite products this year.

Whisky Barrel World Time Wall Clock

My own personal favourite this year. Ever since I was a small child I have loved to travel.  I originally asked Ali to create this world time clock for me, as a reminder of some of my favourite places in the world. I lived in both Canada and Japan when I was in my 20's and they are still special places for me.  The clock is created entirely from whisky barrel lids and could be horizontal as well as the vertical version you see here.  Each clock is made to order with your own choice of 4 places in the world that mean something to you.

Whisky Barrel Bow Tie

We are very proud of our bowties.  There are lots of bowties on the market but none made from Scotch whisky barrels.  We wanted to combine these with Harris Tweed and so a search began for someone who could do the textile work for us.  Eventually we found Moaning Minnie, a maker of contemporary designer accessories who has created the stunning straps in a variety of Harris Tweed colours.  The little pot still motif has been laser engraved and if you wear one of these whisky barrel bowties you will definitely stand out from the crowd.  The most surprising thing for me is how light they are.  

Whisky Barrel Whisky and Chocolate Flight Tray

We were delighted to be asked to create the flight trays for the Clydeside Distillery's brand new Whisky and Chocolate tasting tour. Each tray comes with numbered inserts where the glasses sit so customers can easily identify the whisky they are tasting as well as 5 small holes where the chocolates specially chosen to match each whisky sit.  We can't wait to try these out on our next visit to Clydeside.

Whisky Barrel Table with Scotland Map

Finally, one of Ali's experimental designs this year. A very special table for Scotland and whisky lovers!  With a Scotland whisky region map engraved on the top.  We've used epoxy resin to create the blue outline. In creating this, Ali has used all parts of the barrel including the barrel hoop and I'm sure you'll agree the result is stunning.

If you would like something special, created just for you then we welcome commissions.  You can find out more about the process here.

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I hope you've enjoyed this quick review of 2018, we can't wait to get stuck into our 2019 projects and look forward to bringing you lots more innovative whisky barrel gifts and furniture in the very near future- watch this space.