Copperworks creates single malt whiskey

Seattle-based Copperworks Distilling Company has entered the American single malt whiskey category with a new expression made using craft beer produced from 100% pale malted barley.

Copperworks Whiskey Release 001 is created using craft beer brewed from 100% pale malted barley which is then twice-distilled in two different traditional copper pot stills.
The still were hand-hammered in the Scottish Highlands, and were designed specifically for making malt whiskey.

Copperworks co-founders Jason Parker and Micah Nutt partnered with local breweries Pike Brewing Company and Elysian Brewing Company to brew the beer used in the process.

The beer used for the first release was brewed at the Elysian Brewery, and then fermented at the distillery using fresh brewer’s yeast.

After distillation, Copperworks Whiskey Release 001 is then matured for 30 months in charred new American Oak barrels handmade in Louisville, Kentucky.

“From the very beginning, our plan has been to use our brewing backgrounds to produce an exquisite whiskey in the newly emerging category of American single malt whiskey,” said Parker. “We create a balance of flavours in our whiskey by matching the malt recipe, yeast selection, and distillation profile with the right cask type, entry proof, and warehouse conditions.”

“This goal has now come to fruition with Release 001, a whiskey based on the malty sweetness and complexity derived from beer,” added Nutt. “Distilling the whiskey twice enables us to collect more of the beer and malt flavours we want and we’re able to eliminate more of the undesirable flavours in the wash than a single distillation would allow.”

The expression is said to have a soft honey and black tea aroma, with flavours of smoked orange and toffee which give way to black pepper and leather

Copperworks Whiskey Release 001 is bottled at 52% abv and carries an RRP of US$59.89 for a 750ml bottle. The whiskey will initially be available for sale only in Copperworks tasting room.