In the world of American spirits, where tradition meets bold innovation, one distillery is turning heads this September with a release that's more than just a drink—it's a nod to the hardworking folks behind the grain. Copperworks Distilling Co. has rolled out its Craft Malt Month 2025 American Single Malt Whiskey, a limited-edition bottling that's got whiskey lovers buzzing. For every bottle sold, the company is kicking in $10 to the Craft Maltsters Guild, a group dedicated to keeping small-scale malting alive and thriving across North America. This isn't just about sipping something smooth; it's about supporting the farmers and maltsters who make it all possible, highlighting how local crops fuel the craft beverage scene.
Image credit: Copperworks Distilling Co.
This special whiskey comes from a single barrel that Copperworks held back from the batch used in their Farmsmith release earlier this year. That Farmsmith bottling snagged a gold medal at the American Craft Spirits Convention, proving the quality of the base spirit. But this one? It's like the Farmsmith's wiser, more seasoned brother. Distilled from Baronesse barley—a variety prized for its deep, hearty malt taste—the grain was grown at Joseph's Grainery in Colfax, Washington, and then malted by LINC Malt in Spokane. It's a true showcase of regional partnerships, where every step from field to bottle emphasizes craftsmanship and community ties.
Jason Parker, the president and co-founder of Copperworks, explained that this barrel, known internally as Single Cask No. 484, was set aside to age longer than the rest. While the Farmsmith casks were bottled after their initial maturation, this one kept evolving in the barrel. The result is a whiskey that's packed with layers of flavor, standing out even from its award-winning counterparts. At 4 years and 9 months old—over a year more than the Farmsmith versions—it's got that extra time to develop real complexity, as Jeff Kanof, the vice president and co-owner, pointed out. Extended aging like this brings out nuances that make each sip a discovery, turning a good whiskey into something memorable.
Tasting this whiskey is like embarking on a flavor adventure that hits all the right notes for a guy who appreciates the finer things without the fuss. On the nose, you'll catch hints of warm pie crust mixed with creamy raspberry cheesecake and a bit of candied orange, all backed by fresh wood and a subtle amber oil vibe. Take a sip, and the palate opens up with bold black cherry, dried mango, and tangy orange marmalade, blending seamlessly with notes of coffee cake and cornbread. There's a kick of ginger and a light floral touch that keeps it interesting, without overwhelming the senses. The finish lingers like a good story, starting with sweet cream and evolving into freshly treated leather, sandalwood, black walnut, lemon custard, and grape must, wrapping up with a faint herbal cherry essence. It's robust yet balanced, the kind of pour that's perfect for sharing around a fire pit or savoring solo after a long day.
With only 168 bottles available—each a generous 700ml size—this release is as exclusive as it gets. Bottled at a potent 62.95% ABV, or 125.9 proof, it's got the strength to stand up neat or with a splash of water, priced at $89.99 plus tax and any shipping fees. That $10 donation per bottle goes straight to the Craft Maltsters Guild, helping fund efforts to promote sustainable malting practices and connect growers with distillers like Copperworks.
Grabbing a bottle is straightforward. Head online to the Copperworks website at for easy ordering. If you're in the area, swing by one of their tasting rooms for a hands-on experience. The Seattle Distillery & Tasting Room sits right on the waterfront at 1250 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Or check out the Kenmore spot at 7324 NE 175th St, Kenmore, WA 98028, which runs Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. These spots aren't just for buying; they're hubs for tastings, tours, and even workshops where you can blend your own single-malt whiskey.
Copperworks Distilling Company has been making waves since opening its doors in 2013. Founded by Jason Parker and Micah Nutt, both veterans of the craft brewing world with over three decades of experience under their belts, the distillery started with a simple curiosity: What if you distilled spirits from top-notch craft beer recipes, minus the hops, instead of the usual grain mixes? That question led them to become trailblazers in American Single Malt Whiskey, a category that's exploding in popularity both here and abroad. Everything happens in their downtown Seattle location, a bustling spot in the tourist-heavy waterfront area, complete with a tasting room and gift shop.
They use custom copper stills handmade in Scotland, tailored for each spirit they produce—whether it's their lineup of gins, vodka, or the star of the show, American Single Malt Whiskey, all starting from malted barley. The quality shines through in the awards: Copperworks was crowned the 2018 Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute, and their whiskeys and gins have racked up double-gold medals and high scores like 94 to 96 points in major competitions. Locally, they took home Best Distillery in the 2023 Best in the PNW awards from The Seattle Times. You can find their bottles in bars, restaurants, and stores all over Washington State—check out their list at https://copperworksdistilling.com/bar-and-restaurants for spots near you.
What sets Copperworks apart is their commitment to the craft malt ethos, sourcing locally and building relationships that go beyond business. This Craft Malt Month release embodies that spirit, celebrating the journey from Washington fields to your glass. It's a reminder that great whiskey isn't just about the buzz—it's about the stories, the people, and the land that make it real. If you're the type who values authenticity in every pour, this one's worth seeking out before those 168 bottles vanish.
