Dunnage

Term from Distilleries industry explained for recruiters

Dunnage is a traditional storage system used in distilleries, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, for aging spirits like whiskey. It refers to both the specific type of warehouse and the wooden platforms or racks used to store barrels of aging spirits. These warehouses are typically built with stone walls, earth floors, and slate roofs, creating ideal conditions for spirit maturation. The term is important in distillery operations as it indicates experience with traditional aging methods and warehouse management.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Dunnage warehouse operations for aging 10,000+ whiskey barrels

Implemented inventory tracking system for Dunnage storage areas

Supervised the renovation of traditional Dunnage warehousing facilities

Typical job title: "Warehouse Managers"

Also try searching for:

Distillery Warehouse Manager Spirits Production Manager Dunnage Warehouse Supervisor Barrel Operations Manager Maturation Warehouse Specialist Stock Controller Distillery Operations Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage temperature and humidity fluctuations in a dunnage warehouse?

Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss monitoring systems, seasonal variations, ventilation control, and how these factors affect spirit maturation. They should also mention experience with problem-solving during extreme weather conditions.

Q: What inventory management systems have you implemented for barrel tracking?

Expected Answer: Should explain experience with warehouse management systems, barrel tracking methods, and how they've improved efficiency while maintaining traditional storage methods.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you organize barrel rotation in dunnage warehouses?

Expected Answer: Should describe experience with barrel movement schedules, space optimization, and safety procedures when handling barrels in traditional warehouse settings.

Q: What are the key factors you monitor in dunnage storage?

Expected Answer: Should discuss humidity, temperature, ventilation, barrel condition monitoring, and basic maintenance of traditional warehouse conditions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures are important in dunnage warehouses?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic warehouse safety, proper barrel handling techniques, and awareness of spirit aging hazards.

Q: How do you maintain cleanliness in a dunnage warehouse?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic warehouse maintenance, cleaning procedures, and understanding of why traditional conditions need to be preserved.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic warehouse operations
  • Safety procedures
  • Barrel handling
  • Record keeping

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Inventory management
  • Team supervision
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Maintenance coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Warehouse operations management
  • Quality control systems
  • Staff training and development
  • Strategic planning

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of spirit aging processes
  • Lack of experience with traditional warehouse operations
  • Poor understanding of climate control importance
  • No experience with inventory management systems