On Friday, Copperworks Distilling Co. introduced a new permanent lineup of American single malt whiskeys, marking a significant addition to their celebrated offerings. The Seattle-based distillery, known for its innovative and batch-style releases, has unveiled three distinct whiskeys: Maltsmith, Farmsmith, and Peatsmith. Each of these new expressions is bottled at 50% ABV, offering unique flavors and character that cater to a variety of whiskey enthusiasts.
Copperworks Maltsmith
The Maltsmith is crafted from Copperworks' signature five-malt "brewer-style" recipe. This combination includes pale malt and caramelized malts, creating a complex flavor profile. Primarily aged in charred new American oak casks, with some whiskey also aged in refill casks, the Maltsmith promises a rich and inviting experience.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Bright and deep with scents of peach skin, citrus oil, spiced apple, buckwheat honey, and saltwater taffy.
- Taste: A sweet and vibrant palate featuring orange oil, sweet cinnamon, burned butter, leather, eucalyptus, and peach.
- Finish: Long-lasting with hints of soft oak, sweet cream, pink peppercorn, and stone fruit.
The Copperworks Maltsmith is priced at $59.99 for a 700-milliliter bottle.
Copperworks Farmsmith
Celebrating the rich barley fields of Washington, the Farmsmith highlights the influence of single-variety barley, single farms, and specific growing years. The first batch is distilled from Baronesse barley, known for its exceptional quality and rich, malty flavor. The barley was sourced from Joseph’s Grainery in Colfax and malted by LINC Malt in Spokane. This expression is a blend of eight casks, aged just under 3.5 years.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is an enticing blend of custard apple, lemon curd, and orange marmalade, complemented by rich toffee and crème Brûlée. On the palate, it offers a complex mix of pine sap, brown sugar cinnamon, and cherry, layered with earthy undertones, orange oil, dates, and salted caramel. The finish is long, leaving traces of sweet tea, graham cracker, sweet cinnamon, and a hint of sweet pepper.
The Copperworks Farmsmith is available for $69.99 per 700-milliliter bottle.
Copperworks Peatsmith
The Peatsmith pays homage to traditional scotch whisky by incorporating peat smoke. Made from barley malted with smoke from peat harvested in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this whiskey offers a uniquely American take on the classic peated profile. The first batch comprises seven casks aged nearly 3.5 years.
Tasting Notes:
The nose balances fruit, grain, and smoke with smoked orange peel, driftwood beach fire, extinguished coals, and toasted brioche. On the palate, it delivers a robust mix of vanilla cake chocolate frosting, sweet mint, damp earth, and cured tobacco, enhanced by cedar, hickory, hot smoked salmon, and salted almonds. The finish is complex and lingering, with notes of peppery menthol, lime leaf, leather, and barbecue bark.
The Copperworks Peatsmith retails for $79.99 for a 700-milliliter bottle.
Leadership Insights
Jason Parker, President of Copperworks Distilling Co., expressed pride in the new lineup: “Our new permanent Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey lineup celebrates and solidifies the concepts we've been refining since our founding.” Vice President Jeff Kanof added, “Each of these new expressions features their own unique characteristics and tasting notes, providing whiskey aficionados with a range of options to explore and enjoy.”
Availability
All three expressions are available for purchase through the Copperworks Distilling Co. website and select retailers across Washington state starting July 12, 2024.
Copperworks Distilling Co. continues to be a pioneering force in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, and their latest offerings reflect their dedication to quality, innovation, and the celebration of local ingredients.