Review: Copperworks Single Malts – Maltsmith, Farmsmith, and Peatsmith (2024)
Review: Copperworks Single Malts – Maltsmith, Farmsmith, and Peatsmith (2024)
Copperworks Distilling in Seattle has been at the forefront of American single malt as a charter member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC). While most American distilleries offer a flagship whiskey, Copperworks has historically taken the approach of each release being unique, limited editions.
In July 2024, Copperworks changed all that with its first at-least-sort-of-permanent-release lineup, launching three new product lines with its Maltsmith, Farmsmith, and Peatsmith American Single Malts. Let’s give them each a try. Each is offered in a 700ml bottle.
Copperworks Maltsmith American Single Malt (2024) – Inspired by Scotch ales and aged for about 3 years and 6 months, Maltsmith will now serve as the flagship whiskey for the Seattle distillery. The series features Copperworks’ signature five-malt mash bill consisting of pale malt and four caramelized malts. While Scotch is known for using refill cooperage, Maltsmith consists of whiskey matured in 14 new charred oak casks and 6 refill casks that previously held Copperworks single malt. The newly crowned flagship whiskey offers a nose that opens with grapefruit zest and chai spices. Allowing the malt to air for a few minutes unveils aromas of molasses and dried apricot. The totality of the nose is reminiscent of a home remedy for the common cold. Bright grapefruit zest leads the way on the palate but is quickly muted by mild tobacco and cinnamon. The midpalate offers more dried apricot and a slight pine note, its highly viscous mouthfeel clearly indicating the double distillation on a Forsyths pot still. Dried apricots carry into the finish along with creme brulee, rounding out with a lingering vanilla and nutmeg. This is a delectable whiskey that already has me thinking about the next glass and the friends with whom I’ll share it. Without doubt, Copperworks made a good decision in dubbing this expression as their flagship offering. 100 proof. A / $60
Copperworks Farmsmith American Single Malt (2024) – Farmsmith focuses on the impact of malt, and will showcase a single variety of malt from a single farm in a single growing season with each release. The inaugural Farmsmith features Baronesse malted barley grown by Joseph’s Grainery in Colfax. The debut of Farmsmith is malted by Linc Malt in Spokane and consists of 8 casks constructed by Kelvin Cooperage with a #3 char. Matching Maltsmith, Farmsmith is also matured for roughly 3 years and 6 months. Lemon Italian ice kicks off the nosing experience followed by tropical notes in mango and toasted coconut. Familiar notes of vanilla and caramel accompany the tropical tones. Cooling eucalyptus and bright lemon zest establish themselves on the palate early. Balancing out the crisp and cool are familiar notes of molasses, cinnamon, and plum. The whiskey thoroughly coats the mouth as expected with double distillation on a pot still. As Farmsmith heads down the homestretch, honey and cinnamon meet a subtle woody note for a finish of medium length. 100 proof. A- / $70
Copperworks Peatsmith American Single Malt (2024) – Peatsmith features barley and peat from Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The first release highlights peat harvested from nearby Shelton, Washington. Peatsmith is a blend of 7 barrels from Kelvin Cooperage with a #3 char. Following the other new series, Peatsmith is also aged around 3 years and 6 months. The nose opens with burnt orange peel, buttery noodles, and leather. The peat’s influence on the nose is far from overwhelming as my mind went back and forth from campfire to sterile hospital rooms, the phenols clearly present but slight. The palate begins with a host of baked goods and sweets in the form of Nilla Wafer, nougat, and cocoa powder, and the sweeter notes are quickly counterbalanced by smoked bacon and toasted pecans. The mouthfeel is luscious and oily, with smoked bacon and toasted pecans carrying to the finish to join Winterfresh chewing gum and a slight note of lemon zest. Peatsmith’s peat’s influence is mild on both the nose and palate, which happens to be my personal preference. If a consumer is looking for a single malt heavily influenced by peat, this isn’t it. 100 proof. A- / $80
Copperworks Maltsmith American Single Malt (2024)
$60
