Copperworks Single Malt Release 044
Whisky: Copperworks Single Malt Release 044
Country/Region: United States/Washington
ABV: 50%
Cask: New American Oak
Age: 3 Years (Bottled 15 June 2022)
Nose: Fragrant woods and rich shoyu; persimmon, prunes, and pandan as fruity and grassy sugars collided; subtle buttery pastry and chocolate with bolder notes of oolong and black teas, hints of jasmine and apple.
Palate: Medium-bodied, balanced, sweet prunes, persimmons, and quince with black pepper and slightly tannic black tea; the salty richness and umami of shoyu lingered in the background with more herbal and slightly floral teas; fragrant cedar and sandalwood lingered at the end with a touch of chocolate.
Finish: Medium-length and drying with wood and black tea.
Score: 7 (84)
Mental Image: Mid-morning Market Tea Break
Narrative & Notes: I adored the complex aroma with its interplay of fruits, jellies, woods, and shoyu— that last note was particularly a surprise and one that I think encapsulates the salty umami quality at the fore and slight fermented stink or funk further in the background. It brought to mind markets of wooden stalls, fried foods, tropical fruits, and strong morning coffee. Wander around enough, and one can find buttery or fried pastries and strong herbal tea to fortify oneself for the day.
The palate featured similar notes with a touch of black pepper and more discrete wood. Given enough time, more grape, vanilla, and cream soda emerged, lending themselves to the notion of fruity, creamy, sugary boba tea.
Overall, delicious with all of the unusual and stunning notes you want to find on a single malt using less common barley varietals and long fermentations. It was a break from the norm and a very successful one at that. I do wish it was a bit heavier on the palate and longer lasting on the finish— the finish was a bit overly drying and woody— but otherwise a true delight.
Image Credit: Copperworks
