Copperworks Distilling was founded in 2008 by Jason Parker and Micah Nutt in Seattle, both of whom have a background in brewing. The first number of years were spent learning about various elements of the craft spirits distilling via their work with gin and vodka, which they then used to inform their whiskey production. They are currently releasing their whiskey in individual batches, wherein each release has its own personality. Eventually the goal is to use this variety – along with the time to continually create and lay down stock – to hone in on a flagship release with core profile. They are active in the broader whiskey community in the United States and are at the forefront of regulatory standardization through their membership in several trade groups.
Caol Ila Distillers Edition
The Distillers Editions are a series of scotches from Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, wherein each introductory whisky is further aged in another barrel for various times to impart finishing characteristics. We here at Scotchology have already reviewed the Oban, Lagavulin and Cragganmore variants. The Caol Ila Distillers Edition starts life as the 12 year offering, which we’ve already reviewed here, and further finished in ex-Moscatel sherry casks.
Laphroaig QA Cask
Islay scotches are generally not drawn to much experimentation with cask finishing as much as distilleries in other regions, especially the peat/smoke heavy ones along the southern coast of the island near Port Ellen like Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Laphroaig likes to dabble into the alternative maturation waters, though mostly with their Cairdeas series. This Laphroaig QA is a travel retail exclusive in a liter bottle. The QA stands for Quercus Alba, the Latin name for white oak, a native hardwood found in eastern and central North America. The whisky is aged in ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in charred QA casks.