Copperworks Release 047 American Single Malt Whiskey Review

Copperworks Distilling Company of Seattle, Washington, was founded by Jason Parker and Micah Nutt in 2013. Both had backgrounds in craft brewing and were curious about what would happen if they distilled high-quality craft beer into spirits. While using traditional hand-hammered copper stills from Scotland, Copperworks is a leader in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement and is driven by innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of flavors from the Pacific Northwest. 

 

Copperworks was named the 2018 Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute. It offers American Single Malts, vodka, and gins. Everything it produces comes from malted barley. I’ve reviewed several of its whiskeys; its accolades are well-deserved.

 

Today I’m exploring Release 047, an American Single Malt comprised of blending 13 casks. Four came from Copperworks' Five Malt recipe, and the remainder from its Baronesse Pale malt.

 

"Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey Release 047 is our largest blend to date, and a portion of it is destined for select export markets, including Taiwan. This latest release is among other special selections of Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey that have made their way to select International markets such as Italy, Canada, UK, and Japan.” – Jason Parker

 

Copperworks utilized new, #2-charred American oak barrels from Canton Cooperage with staves seasoned between 24 and 36 months. Release 047 was aged three years and packaged at 50% ABV (100°). It has a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 750ml bottle and can be procured from the distillery’s online store or Shots Box.

 

I thank Copperworks for providing me with a sample of Release 047 in exchange for a no-strings-attached, honest review. Now is it time to #DrinkCurious and explore what this whiskey offers.

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass and sipped this whiskey neat. The deep, dark orange liquid formed a thin rim and sticky tears.

 

Nose: When you begin with an aroma of a dreamsicle, you command my attention. English toffee, cinnamon, and cocoa followed. I tasted orange pekoe tea as I drew the air through my lips.

 

Palate: The texture was thick and creamy. Flavors of honeysuckle, orange peel, and cocoa hit the front of my palate. Midway through, I found peach, tea, and mint. The back consisted of cinnamon, oak, and pink peppercorn.

 

Finish: Honey, peach, orange citrus, tea, spiced oak, and cinnamon closed out the sipping experience. The oak and cinnamon started slow and gradually built to a crescendo. Once they fell, the honey remained, giving this single malt whiskey a longer finish.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Release 047 differs from the other Copperworks single malts I’ve encountered. I don’t recall bold tea notes in the experience. I’m not a tea drinker. I know what it tastes like, but I don’t enjoy it. Yet, somehow, Jason and Micah made that quality palatable. I found myself pouring another glass. Release 047 seems almost perfect for a summer sipper, and the timing couldn’t be better. This American Single Malt takes my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.