Copperworks Distilling, based on Seattle’s vibrant waterfront, has long been a pioneer in the art of crafting distinctive spirits.
Their commitment to innovation and a decade of exploring special casks is on full display with their latest creations: the Port Cask American Single Malt Whiskey and the Color Cask American Single Malt Whiskey.
These releases highlight the distillery’s expertise in utilizing unique casks from near and far, showcasing why Copperworks remains a leader in redefining whiskey.
Why cask finishing matters
Cask finishing is a technique used by distilleries to enhance the flavor profile of a spirit by transferring it into a secondary barrel after initial maturation. This process can imbue spirits with nuanced aromas and complex flavors influenced by the previous contents of the cask.
While this approach is common, Copperworks Distilling takes it to the next level by leveraging their 100 percent malted barley whiskey, crafted with brewer’s yeast, which retains more sugars, resulting in a unique interaction with the casks.
The port cask: a symphony of flavors
Copperworks Port Cask release exemplifies Copperworks’ dedication to local sourcing and innovation. This whiskey was distilled from a Five Malt recipe, matured for nearly seven years in a refilled American Single Malt Whiskey cask, and finished for an additional seven months in a cask previously used to mature Whidbey’s Port, a local port-style wine.
The result is a symphony of flavors – orange marmalade, cinnamon, sarsaparilla and dark cocoa – rounded out by a rich, marmalade-forward finish. This rare partnership with a local wine producer brings a distinct regional flair to the whiskey, offering a taste experience unlike any other.
Copperworks’ Color Cask whiskey developed extraordinary depth over five years of maturation, with aromas of burnt marshmallow and molasses and flavors of fig jam, dark chocolate and browned butter. Courtesy Copperworks
The color cask: bold and unconventional
When it comes to the Color Cask, Copperworks Distilling took a different approach, opting for full maturation in a centuries-old Spanish sherry cask from Bodegas Argüeso winery.
Over nearly five years, the whiskey developed extraordinary depth, with aromas of burnt marshmallow and molasses and flavors of fig jam, dark chocolate and browned butter.
The marathon-length finish lingers with notes of black walnut and kaffir lime, delivering an unforgettable sensory journey. “Color Cask is a beautiful experience that is unlike anything else I’ve tried from Copperworks. It’s bold and complex from nose to finish,” says Jacop Kiper from Drinkhacker in their recent review.
Copperworks’ Port Cask offers a symphony of flavors – orange marmalade, cinnamon, sarsaparilla and dark cocoa – rounded out by a rich, marmalade-forward finish. Courtesy Copperworks
These innovative approaches highlight Copperworks’ commitment to pushing boundaries while celebrating tradition. Whether through finishing or full maturation, their whiskeys are a testament to the artistry of cask influence, elevating every sip into a story of craftsmanship and creativity.
Taste these special releases for yourself by visiting their cocktail bar and tasting room in Kenmore, or by finding these products online at copperworksdistilling.com.
