Copper & Cask continues to impress me with both the quality of their releases and the level of transparency they provide. While plenty of companies source whiskey, very few are willing to give consumers this much information about what's actually in the bottle. Between the detailed blending information and the QR code that lets you hear directly from the master blender, it's clear they're proud of what they're producing.
This particular release immediately caught my attention because I'm a huge fan of cigar blend bourbons. Even though I'm not a cigar smoker myself, I love the sweeter, fruit-forward profiles these blends often create. With a blend of 8-year-old MGP bourbon finished in Armagnac, Cognac, Tawny Port, and Sherry casks, this one checked all the boxes before I ever pulled the cork.
Copper & Cask created this release using a 26-barrel blend of both high-rye and low-rye MGP bourbons aged at least 8 years. The blend was then separated into finishing casks consisting of Armagnac, Cognac, Tawny Port, and Sherry barrels where it rested between 8 and 14 months before being blended back together and bottled at barrel proof.
Age Statement: 8 years.
ABV: 57.8% (Cask strength).
Mash bill: N/A. (Blend of high-rye & low-rye Bourbon).
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Finishes: Armagnac, Cognac, Tawny Port, and Sherry casks.
Appearance: Dark Copper.
On the nose:
The Port influence makes itself known immediately. Rich stewed fruits, dark figs, raisins, grapes, and berry preserves dominate the nose. There is an almost syrup-like richness to the aroma that reminds me of older tawny ports. Underneath the fruit sits classic bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and oak.
The high-rye component contributes a touch of herbal spice that helps keep the sweeter elements in check. As the glass opens, a note of raspberry-filled dark chocolate begins to emerge that adds another layer of complexity.
Taste:
The palate delivers exactly what the nose promises. Stewed pears, plums, grapes, blackberry, raspberry compote, cinnamon, and clove immediately coat the palate. The mouthfeel is rich without becoming overly thick or cloying. Dark chocolate notes continue throughout the sip, ranging from shaved chocolate to chocolate cake topped with berry compote. The bourbon itself remains present with oak, vanilla, and caramel serving as a backbone beneath the fruit-forward finishing influence. The rye spice helps tie everything together, preventing the whiskey from leaning too heavily into sweetness.
Finish:
Long and fruit-driven.
The Armagnac influence becomes more noticeable here, bringing softer fruit characteristics and lingering sweetness. Cinnamon, dark berries, mild pepper, and subtle oak remain long after the sip is gone. The finish continues showcasing the various cask influences while still allowing the bourbon's structure to remain intact.
Final Thoughts:
Copper & Cask absolutely succeeded with this release. What impressed me most was how well the various finishing casks worked together without completely overshadowing the bourbon itself. The Port and Sherry provide rich fruit notes while the Cognac and Armagnac add elegance and depth. Meanwhile, the high-rye and low-rye MGP blend ensures there's still plenty of traditional bourbon character throughout.
My only real criticism is that I would have liked slightly more oak influence. Something like a French oak or Hungarian oak component could have added another layer of complexity and balance to the sweeter profile. Still, at roughly $65 for an 8-year-old barrel proof bourbon finished in four different cask types, this is an outstanding value.
For fans of cigar blend bourbons, this is one of the better examples I've encountered.
Rating: -A (Amazing).
Cost: $64.99 for 750ml.
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