Notes:A completely different whisky from the Copper Fox Distillery in Virginia, made in a unique way, especially here in the United States.They start with a special barley that they floor malt themselves- A practice almost no distillery does anymore,even in Scotland.They use a unique blend of fruit woods and hardwood (rather than peat in Scotland or Ireland) to dry and stop the germination of the malt grain.The grain is then fermented and pot distilled in small batches (1 barrel at a time).

A further refinement is the use of charred barrels and wood chips to give it more color and a very distinctive taste in a very short time.This unique,perhaps singular approach to whisky allows a melange of tastes that would develop over time with the freshness that would be lost by extended aging. It has such a distinctive profile it almost could be compared to some of the flavored whiskey experiments (Phillips Union I believe?) only infinitely better. A very interesting Single Malt.

Appearance: Amber gold color, very clear. Darker than a 4 year-old bourbon. Thin edge line on the glass when you swirl it, smooth layer of whisky on swirling.

First Impression: Wow, this one has more going on then anything else we have smelled in a long time. Notes of apple, cherry fruit, sherry, vanilla, and hardwood smoke on nosing. Reminds me of Russian Starka Vodka only better and more fragrant.

Taste: Very complex fruit smoke and barley notes. Imagine a young Islay whisky with apple,cherry and hardwood smoke. Finish is warm and bracing.

Drinks: No known drinks specifically for this whisky.The fruitwood smoking of the grain does give it some unique characteristics that could probably yield some excellent cocktails. Think of it as whisky with bitters and a cherry already added. I think it would also make for some outstanding gourmet food pairings also, especially game or seafood.

Cigars:Something mild so as not to lose the nuances. Small natural wrapper cigar.

Bottle: Old-style heavy clear glass with gracefully curved shoulder, straight neck and screw cap closure. Hand dipped wax seal but using a softer bees wax type rather than a hard brittle, frustrating and messy sealing wax. I get frustrated when I can’t get to my whisky.

Final Thoughts: Really quite a charming whisky in a roguish sort of way. While not for everybody I personally think it is quite entertaining and a departure from the usual. Remember this is a 4 month-old whiskey, not 12 years, sit back and enjoy the melange of fire and smoke. Lets you know you are both young and alive (at least at heart).

Web site: http://www.copperfox.biz