Cooperage refers to the art and trade of making wooden barrels, casks, and other storage containers used in the storage and transportation of wine, spirits, and other liquids. Synonyms for cooperage include barrel-making, cask-making, coopering, and woodcraft. The term is derived from the ancient word "cooper," which means barrel maker. Other related terms include cooper's shop, cooper's trade, and cooper's tool. Cooperage is an important art that has been used for centuries because storage containers made of wood can preserve and improve the flavor and quality of liquid, especially wine and spirits.