The holidays bring out the best in people, and sometimes in spirits too. Right when folks are hunting for something special to pour during gatherings, Copperworks Distilling Co. drops a real standout: the Copperworks Pondera Cabernet Cask American Single Malt Whiskey. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's a one-of-a-kind release born from a handshake between two small outfits in the Pacific Northwest, turning heads with its deep flavors and short supply.
Copperworks teamed up with Pondera Winery, a family-run spot known for turning out top-notch wines. Both call the area around Seattle home, with Copperworks in Kenmore and Pondera over in Woodinville. They're neighbors in craft country, and this whiskey marks their first big joint effort. It's all about showcasing what the region does best—quality ingredients, careful hands, and a bit of innovation.
The whiskey starts simple: pale malt, the kind that gives it a clean base. They let it age for more than seven years in a refill cask from Copperworks' own stock. That's the long haul, building layers slowly. Then comes the twist—a six-month finish in a Cabernet Sauvignon cask straight from Pondera. That cask isn't empty praise; it once held a wine that took home gold and a 92-point score at the Seattle Wine Awards back in 2019. The wood soaks up those grape notes, passing them along to the spirit in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Jason Parker, who heads up Copperworks as president and co-founder, puts it plain: "This collaboration with Pondera represents exactly what we love about this area. Two craft producers from neighboring cities, Kenmore and Woodinville, coming together to create a must-taste whiskey that celebrates our region's exceptional quality."
Pull the cork, and the scents hit first. Caramel apple mixes with incense cedar, then maraschino cherries and hints of woodland flora drift in. Vanilla hangs back, tying it all together without stealing the show. Take an actual sip, and things get interesting—leather and fresh linen pair up with cabernet grape skins and chocolate orange. Midway, key lime pie brightness cuts through, along with crushed Douglas fir tips that nod to the evergreen forests nearby. The end lingers soft, with cotton candy sweetness and vetiver earthiness, making you reach for the glass again.
Only 190 bottles exist, each 700ml at 50% ABV—that's 100 proof for the old-school measure. Price sits at $89.99 before tax and any shipping. Supplies won't last, so moving quick matters if this sounds like your kind of pour.
Grab it online through their site, or head to one of the tasting rooms. The main spot sits at 1250 Alaskan Way in Seattle, right on the waterfront where tourists mix with locals. There's another in Kenmore at 7324 NE 175th St. Both places let you sample before buying, and the staff knows their stuff.
Copperworks isn't new to this game. They opened doors in 2013 down in Seattle's busy waterfront area, complete with a tasting room and shop that draws crowds year-round. The founders, Jason Parker and Micah Nutt, both came from craft beer—over 30 years between them slinging brews. They asked a straightforward question: what if you distilled spirits from great beer malt, skipping the hops? That idea sparked everything. They make small-batch American Single Malt Whiskey, plus gins and vodka, all from malted barley.
The setup uses traditional copper stills shipped over from Scotland, built special for each spirit they run. It's old-world gear meeting new ideas. The payoff shows in the awards: 2018 Distillery of the Year from the American Distilling Institute. Their whiskey and gin pull Double-Gold medals and scores from 94 to 96 in big competitions. Just last year, readers of The Seattle Times voted them Best Distillery in the 2023 Best In The PNW contest.
American Single Malt is picking up steam nationwide and beyond. Copperworks helped pioneer it, proving you don't need the usual grains to make something world-class. Their bottles line bars, restaurants, and stores across Washington. Check their site for a map of spots pouring it near you.
Beyond the bottle, the distillery keeps things hands-on. Tours walk you through the process, tastings let you compare expressions, and events pop up regular. One favorite is the single-malt blending workshop—get in there, mix your own, and take home what you create. It's the kind of afternoon that sticks with a guy who appreciates how things are made.
This Pondera release fits the holiday vibe perfect. Picture cracking it open after a long day, maybe with a steak off the grill or just feet up by the fire. The cabernet finish adds a wine-like depth without overpowering the malt backbone. It's smooth enough for sipping neat, bold enough to stand in a simple cocktail if that's your style.
Stock runs low already—190 bottles split between online and the two rooms. If you're in the area, swing by Seattle or Kenmore. Chat with the team; they'll pour a taste and share stories. Online orders ship out quick, but act soon.
Copperworks keeps pushing what American whiskey can be. Starting from beer roots, landing major awards, now linking with a winery like Pondera. It's proof that small teams in the Northwest are crafting spirits that rival anything bigger operations put out.
For anyone who values a good drink with a backstory, this one's worth the hunt. Raise a glass to local craft, to patience in aging, and to flavors that surprise without showing off. The holidays just got a little warmer.
