Copper Fox Distillery, headquartered in Sperryville, VA, began operations in 2005. The distillery resulted from the owner, Rick Wasmund, embarking on a sort of whiskey odyssey, including an internship at Bowmore Distillery in Scotland. Eventually, Mr. Wasmund’s journey resulted in revelations about whiskey production and birthed several unique techniques. These include using fruitwood instead of peat to smoke grains, and applewood aging. Indeed, Copper Fox claims the mantle as the first whiskey to use applewood for aging. Interesting, so let’s see how this fox hunts with the Copper Fox Original American Single Malt review!

This whiskey contains a 100% malted barley mash bill, as required for an American Single Malt. However, Copper Fox boasts an in-house floor malting using applewood and cherrywood to attain a smoke level of 12-18 ppm approximately. Copper Fox Distillery sources all their grains from one Virginia farmer, who grows a barley type specifically developed for them. This single malt punches in at 96 proof (48% ABV). Finally, my bottle come from batch number 163. Lots going on here, so now on to see how it fares.

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, Copper Fox Single Malt exudes a rich, cloudy bronze coloring that holds into the glass. Giving it a swirl produces a thick coating that very methodically forms small beads. Eventually, these beads slowly descend leaving slender legs. The labeling evinces a level of rugged sophistication, and provides ample detail of the juice inside. This last piece is always welcomed as it allows the prospective purchaser adequate insight to make a decision.

Nose

Lifting the spirit to the nose produces a drying effect accompanied by a burst of malted smoke that leaps out as though making an escape, and quickly dissipating. Waiting in the wings, a shoe polish scent emerges that hovers right below and briefly dominates before mixing in. Underneath, a balmy nutmeg starts a grounding transition for this hitherto airy experience. This combination leads to a sensation similar to that of fresh rain hitting the earth. Finally, a roasted ground coffee note firmly plants us on solid land. With a lot going on, the nose takes us on its own enjoyable journey.

Palate

Moving on from the nose, this Single Malt begins with a mouth coating effect. Upfront, a crisp sweet apple briefly appears but rapidly becomes a distant memory never to be heard of again. Poof! A cloud of smoke erupts, eventually dispersing and revealing tracks of tire rubber. This gives way to a pronounced sea salt taste which swirls around prior to fading away. Eventually, varnish appears toward the back of the mouth and ends the experience. The palate lacks a sweet character often found in American Single Malts, and feels more like a traditional Scotch. Nevertheless, it works.

Finish

The whiskey begins its end where it started with a toasted malt getting the finish underway. The omnipresent smokiness reemerges in a heavier form here, emanating from a smoldering damp forest log. This strangely fades into a medicinal character as a latex impression surfaces out of nowhere. Just as it seems ready to completely end, a distinct black licorice pops up and provides a strong finishing note.

Drinkability

Copper Fox Single Malt works either neat or on ice. Mixed with water, the whiskey retains its profile but adds peppercorn prominently in the palate. Drink this whiskey by a campfire in the woods after hunting or bailing hay all day for a complete experience.

Food Pairing

A rustic woodland spirit animates this whiskey and a food that harmonizes with this ambiance works best. Grill up a marinaded venison with a side of caramelized wild onions to serve with this whiskey.

Facial Hair Rating

Copper Fox Single Malt wins the English Facial Hair Rating. The English obviously calls attention to itself, while not necessarily attempting to actually do so. This look works for the rich gentleman in charge of the local fox hunting club unaware of the current century – in an endearing, plucky English way of course.

Overall

To conclude the Copper Fox Original American Single Malt review, it’s nice the same way that a log cabin in the woods is. In fact, this whiskey evokes memories of hiking through a damp forest after a rain. Strong earthy notes mixed with light smokey tones present a whiskey with plenty of complexity and room to explore. If someone forced me to find an issue with it, I would like to see more sweetness round it out. However, that feels pedantic given the quality and craftsmanship evident within. Though not entirely unwarranted for a single malt, this whiskey feels more like a scotch than American Single Malt. Either way, this whiskey takes the drinker on a vigorous journey and tells an enjoyable story as it does so.

Final Grade: A-

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