On January 19, 2024, American single malt whiskey acquired formal recognition from the Federal Tobacco, Tax, and Commerce Bureau. Seattle’s Copperworks Distilling performed a central position within the push for an official customary of id. Though the designation itself remains to be new, Copperworks has spent greater than a decade producing distinctive, high-quality American single malt. Copperworks equipped Drinkhacker with two 2025 releases for evaluation: Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey and Copperworks Arette Tequila Cask American Single Malt.
Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey Evaluate
In 1989, Pike Brewing Firm poured its first keg in Pike Place Market and helped set the course for contemporary Northwest craft brewing. Jason Parker, now president and co-founder of Copperworks, was Pike’s first brewer throughout these youth, studying his craft whereas the area’s beer tradition was discovering its footing. Kilt Lifter Whiskey serves as a nod to that chapter, created in collaboration with Pike Brewing and impressed by the brewery’s Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale.
The whiskey is distilled from the identical base recipe because the beer, with hops deliberately neglected. Its mashbill contains an in depth vary of malts, with malted wheat taking part in a notable position. In descending order by quantity, the grains are Gambrinus ESB, Maris Otter pale malt, Crystal 70/80, Munich 10L, Carapils, malted wheat, roasted barley, and peated malt. Due to the wheat content material, the whiskey doesn’t qualify as American single malt, making this the primary launch from Copperworks exterior that classification.
Fermentation ran for 7 days at 71 levels Fahrenheit utilizing ale yeast sourced from Pike Brewing. Distillation passed off on Forsyths copper pot stills, with coronary heart cuts averaging 135 proof. The spirit entered barrels at 117 proof and matured in new 53 gallon American oak barrels from Canton Cooperage with a #2 char. Of the 7 barrels used, half featured staves seasoned outside for 3 years, whereas the rest used two-year seasoned staves. All barrels have been stuffed on March 6, 2020 and matured for two,082 days, or 5.7 years.
The batch reached a pure proof of 129.5 earlier than being lowered to 100 proof by progressive proofing over the course of a single day. After 5 days of relaxation, the whiskey was bottled.
Aromas open with roasted chestnuts and recent honeysuckle, adopted by pineapple gummy bears and chocolate mousse because the glass sits. The palate begins with allspice and toasted English muffins, then strikes into sultanas and milk chocolate with a medium-thick physique. The end delivers lemon pound cake and cinnamon, closing with candied pineapple and muted peppermint. Copperworks’ first launch exterior the American single malt framework lands with poise, and its time in new charred oak will resonate with drinkers accustomed to bourbon. 100 proof. B+ / $60
Copperworks Arette Tequila Cask American Single Malt Evaluate
After the optimistic reception of Particular Launch No. 037 in Could 2021, Copperworks revisited the Arette tequila cask idea with a brand new expression launched in November 2025. This whiskey is distilled from Copperworks’ signature 5 malt mashbill and was initially stuffed right into a 53 gallon refill American single malt cask on Could 28, 2018 at 115 proof. The bottom spirit matured for five years and seven months earlier than being transferred on January 10, 2025 right into a 53 gallon Arette tequila cask at 125 proof.
The ending interval lasted a further 1 yr and 9 months, greater than twice the tequila cask time used for Particular Launch No. 037. Complete maturation reached no less than 7 years and 5 months. Pure batch proof measured 129.7 earlier than discount to 100 proof. After resting 6 days at bottling power, the whiskey was bottled.
The nostril presents rosemary and citrus-forward hop notes, adopted by powdered sugar and camphor rub with air publicity. On the palate, nectarine zest and pencil shavings prepared the ground. Because it develops, corn silk and pencil graphite contribute an unconventional however fascinatingly pleasant profile, supported by a medium-thick mouthfeel. The end gives toasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon, ending with raisin paste and wholesome dose of lemon zest. This can be a playful but well-aged American single malt, and the tequila cask affect proves much more profitable right here than it typically does with bourbon. 100 proof. B+ / $90
Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey
USD60
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