As the holiday season approaches, Copperworks Distilling Co., known for its innovative and meticulously crafted spirits, has announced two highly anticipated single cask whiskey releases: the Copperworks Color Cask American Single Malt Whiskey and the Copperworks Whidbey’s Port Cask American Single Malt Whiskey. These special editions are poised to captivate whiskey aficionados with their unique stories, rich flavors, and exclusive availability.
Copperworks Color Cask: A Nod to Rare Spanish Tradition
Image credit: Copperworks Distilling Co.
The Color Cask release represents a marriage of history and innovation. This American Single Malt Whiskey was matured in a rare Spanish sherry cask known as a "color cask." These casks were traditionally used in the production of exceptionally dark sherry, an almost forgotten practice in the modern sherry-making process.
The story behind this whiskey begins in 2019 when Copperworks President and Co-founder Jason Parker traveled to Spain and Portugal. There, he secured one of just six 200-year-old casks from the Bodegas Argüeso winery in Cádiz, Spain. Recognizing the exceptional nature of these casks, Copperworks opted for a full maturation approach rather than the more common finishing process. This resulted in a whiskey aged for nearly five years, producing an intensely rich and deeply flavored spirit.
Adding to its uniqueness, this whiskey is a "Queen's Run" distillate, a term borrowed from the rum industry. It refers to a batch distilled entirely from the heads and tails of previous runs, yielding a highly flavorful and complex profile.
Tasting Notes for the Color Cask Whiskey
From the first sip to the final lingering notes, the Color Cask whiskey offers a sensory journey. The nose delivers bold aromas of burnt marshmallow, molasses, raw cookie dough, and dark chocolate-covered figs. On the palate, flavors of fig jam, dark chocolate, browned butter, and raisins take center stage, with subtle undertones of leather. The long and complex finish blends dark chocolate-covered figs, lemongrass, kefir lime, and a nutty dryness reminiscent of black walnut and pecans.
Details:
- ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
- Price: $149.99 (plus tax and shipping)
- Availability: Limited release
Whidbey’s Port Cask: A Celebration of Local Collaboration
Image credit: Copperworks Distilling Co.
The Whidbey’s Port Cask American Single Malt Whiskey highlights a partnership with local Washington winemakers. This whiskey was distilled using Copperworks’ signature Five Malt recipe and matured for almost seven years in a refilled whiskey cask before being finished for seven months in a cask previously used for Whidbey’s Port, a beloved Washington-made port-style wine. Whidbey’s Port, produced in Prosser and Grandview, WA, has been a regional favorite since its debut in 1984.
Copperworks Vice President and Co-owner Jeff Kanof shared that the rich, nuanced flavors of Whidbey’s Port made it an ideal choice for finishing the whiskey. The result is a harmonious balance of the port wine’s influence and the core whiskey’s character.
Tasting Notes for Whidbey’s Port Cask Whiskey
This whiskey opens with delicate floral notes, cedar, orange oil, raspberry thumbprint cookies, and a whisper of cardamom. On the palate, layers of orange marmalade, cinnamon, sarsaparilla, white pepper, and brioche create a complex and inviting profile. The finish is graceful and lingering, with highlights of marmalade, cinnamon, applewood, eucalyptus, and dark cocoa.
Details:
- ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
- Price: $89.99 (plus tax and shipping)
- Availability: Limited release
How to Secure These Special Releases
Both whiskeys are limited-edition offerings and will be available through pre-orders and direct purchases:
- First Cut Members: Early pre-orders open on November 22, 2024. Membership in the First Cut program provides exclusive early access to these releases.
- Public Pre-Orders: Open on November 29, 2024, starting at 11 a.m. PT.
For those interested in sampling before purchasing, both releases will also be available at Copperworks’ tasting rooms:
- Seattle Distillery & Tasting Room: 1250 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
- Kenmore Location: 7324 NE 175th St, Kenmore, WA 98028
Perfect for the Holidays
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for a whiskey enthusiast or seeking something special for your holiday celebrations, these two unique offerings from Copperworks Distilling Co. provide a rare opportunity to experience the artistry and innovation of American single malt whiskey. With limited quantities available, enthusiasts are encouraged to act quickly to secure a bottle of these holiday treasures.
For more details or to pre-order, visit Copperworks Distilling Co.’s official website.
