Copperworks Distilling Co. is celebrating Craft Malt Month this September with a special release of Single Cask No. 145. This annual event, organized by the Craft Maltsters Guild, shines a spotlight on the close relationship between local agriculture and craft beverages. To further support this connection, Copperworks has committed to donating $10 to the Craft Maltsters Guild for each bottle sold of this limited-edition whiskey.
Image credit: Copperworks Distilling Co.
Jason Parker, the Co-owner and President of Copperworks, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the Craft Maltsters Guild, emphasized the importance of Craft Malt Month. He stated, “Craft Malt Month highlights the deep connection between local agriculture and craft beverages. We're proud to be a Craft Malt Certified™ distillery and play an important role in supporting our local farming partners while strengthening our own sustainability efforts.”
The idea of craft malt revolves around three key principles: small, local, and independent. A craft maltster typically produces between 5 and 10,000 metric tons of malt annually, ensuring that operations remain on a manageable scale. Additionally, at least 50% of the grain used must be sourced within a 500-mile radius of the malthouse, allowing for flexibility in sourcing, especially in years with challenging crop yields. Lastly, the malthouse must be independently owned, with a majority stake of 76% or higher, ensuring that decisions are made with a focus on quality and sustainability rather than corporate interests.
The creation of Single Cask No. 145 is a testament to Copperworks’ commitment to the craft malt movement. The whiskey is made from a barley varietal known as Alba, which was grown in 2015 by Knutzen Farms in Burlington, Washington. This barley was then malted by Skagit Valley Malting, a local malthouse and Craft Maltsters Guild member, before it ceased operations in 2022. The entire process, from brewing to maturation, took place in Seattle, with the whiskey aging for over eight years in a used bourbon cask before being bottled at cask strength.
Jeff Kanof, Co-owner and Vice President of Copperworks, expressed his enthusiasm for this release, saying, “Our latest single cask release showcases beautifully how our commitment to the craft malt movement leads to incredible flavors." The meticulous production process is reflected in the whiskey’s tasting notes, which describe an intricate array of flavors. The whiskey opens with aromas of sweet orange, leather, cigar wrapper, and apple, leading to a rich mouthfeel with flavors of orange blossom honey, dried apricot, candied orange slices, and bittersweet amaro. The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of leather, dried apricot, apple, and a hint of molasses. This whiskey can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a sophisticated addition to a Paper Plane cocktail.
With only 44 bottles available, Single Cask No. 145 is a truly limited release. Each 750ml bottle is priced at $89.99, with an ABV of 60.35% (120.7 Proof). The whiskey is available for purchase online or at Copperworks’ Seattle Distillery & Tasting Room, as well as their Kenmore location. However, due to shipping restrictions, Copperworks cannot ship spirits to certain states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and New York, among others.
Craft Malt Month 2024 is a celebration not just of whiskey but of the agricultural practices and local partnerships that make such products possible. Through releases like Single Cask No. 145, Copperworks Distilling Co. continues to honor and support the craft malt industry while offering whiskey enthusiasts a unique and flavorful experience.
About Copperworks Distilling Company
Founded in 2013, Copperworks Distilling Company is a renowned craft distillery, tasting room, and gift shop situated in the bustling waterfront tourist district of downtown Seattle. Specializing in small-batch American Single Malt Whiskey, as well as a range of gins and vodka made from malted barley, Copperworks has made its mark in the spirits industry. The distillery was established by co-owners and distillers Jason Parker and Micah Nutt, both of whom have over 30 years of experience in the alcohol industry as craft brewers. Their goal was to explore how spirits would taste if distilled from high-quality craft beer (minus the hops) rather than using the conventional methods and ingredients typical of other distilleries. This innovative approach has positioned Copperworks as a trailblazer in the American Single Malt Whiskey category, which is rapidly gaining both national and international attention.
Copperworks’ spirits are crafted in traditional copper stills, custom-made in Scotland specifically for the distillery and tailored for each unique spirit. Their commitment to quality has earned them numerous national and international accolades, including the title of 2018 Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute. Their whiskey and gin have also received Double-Gold medals and high scores ranging from 94 to 96 points in prestigious spirits competitions.
Copperworks’ products can be found in bars, restaurants, and retail stores across Washington State. The distillery also hosts tastings, tours, and events designed to educate and delight spirits enthusiasts, including a hands-on single-malt whiskey blending workshop. In 2023, Copperworks was voted Best Distillery in the Pacific Northwest by The Seattle Times' Best In The PNW contest.
To find Copperworks products at bars and restaurants, visit this link. For more information about Copperworks, please visit their website here.
