CORK OAKS JUST AFTER HARVEST

Ever wonder why it can be hard to get the same cork every time? Please consider the following problems faced by the cork factories in Portugal every day.

First, the product is a natural product that can only be harvested every 9 or 10 years. It takes a cork tree 60 years to produce good cork. The harvest can be affected by too much rain, not enough sun, too hot, too cold and on and on.

Once the harvest is complete the cork must be dried and aged until it is ready. Then it is boiled and dried again to 20% moisture content. At that time it is then punched into stoppers or rings. Now once it has been graded only about 3-4% of the cork is of the highest grade. Think about that... of every 10 years a tree only has 3 to 4% of the cork everyone wants!

Grading of the cork is first done by optical scanners and then by hand. Grading is not a science but an art... and not everyone agrees with the artist.

CORK GRADING - Highest to Lowest

FIVE STAR	This is the super premium quality, generally only used by custom high end graphite rod makers and bamboo rod makers
Flor+	High end production companies like Winston use this grade
Flor	Special order, has not been available
Extra Select	Used on mid grade rods
Grade A	Used on low end fly rods and spinning, casting rods
Burl	These are composite rings and are dark brown in color. Ideal for fighting butts and decorative custom grip designs

We sell to both wholesale and retail clients. Contact us for ALL your cork needs!