By Kenrick Thurston-Wilcox
Ranking: C+
Copperworks American Single Malt Batch 44
(Credit score: Copperworks Distilling)
Established in 2013, Copperworks was based by 2 males, Jason Parker and Micah Nutt. Each possessing a background in craft brewing, they determined to attempt their hand at distilling as soon as it turned authorized in Washington state.
They selected to start out with a craft beer wash as an alternative of a standard distillers wash, nonetheless a novel observe at the moment. That is accomplished by utilizing brewers yeast (which provides extra taste to the wash) relatively then distillers yeast (which is engineered to maximise ABV). The consequence means they get much less output within the remaining product, however extra fascinating and distinctive flavors total.
Their thought appears to be working to date, as they’re now on batches 44 and 45 of their Single Malt releases, and present no signal of slowing down. They’re additionally founding members of the American Single Malt Whiskey Fee, which on the cusp of creating American Single Malts a federal class of spirits, identical to bourbon or rye.
This batch is distilled from Nice Western Malting Pale Malt and Baronesse Barley from WA, aged for no less than 45 months in charred, new American Oak barrels, then bottled at 50% ABV. The ultimate product additionally contains one barrel from a Queens Run distillation.
The Whiskey
This whiskey has a pleasant amber colour, as soon as poured. The nostril may be very brilliant and stings slightly, however total begins out fruity. Good crisp apples up entrance, adopted by orange and citrus. Toast is available in close to the again, supporting the fruity flavors, and serving to to convey down the perceived sweetness from the fruits. You may as well odor the Queens Reduce coming in barely as nicely, giving the whiskey a small chemical odor. Not disagreeable however does make the whiskey sharp your first time nosing the glass.
Once more on the primary sip the liquid is harsh, and slightly overwhelming at first, however good and oily, retaining the flavors in your mouth whereas the abrasiveness disappears. The general expertise continues to be fruity, although this time candied, tasting slightly sweeter then the nostril. Cherry rears its head up entrance, giving some depth, adopted by orange citrus and apple. The chemical style is a bit more pronounced right here then on the nostril, however once more not disagreeable. Some malty grain notes close to the top, adopted lastly by cocoa. The end does an entire 180, throwing away any fruit that was there earlier than. Burnt espresso and toast mix collectively very nicely, reminding me of a morning breakfast. Additionally good and lengthy, permitting you to savor the expertise. General the end may be very nice.
This batch is slightly harsh at first look, however when you push by that preliminary response, there’s some good issues taking place beneath, which will pique your curiosity.
The Value
This batch of American Single Malt is $70 and may be picked up both on-line or in particular person at Copperworks tasting room.
