Review: Copper Dog Blended Malt Whisky

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First thing’s first:  what’s a copper dog?  Back in the day, distillery workers needed a way to sneak some whisky.  One of the more popular methods was taking a piece of copper tubing and soldering a penny on one end.  When no one was around, they’d pop the bung on a cask and dip the “copper dog” into it.  Once filled with whisky, the copper dog was sealed with a cork, dropped down the worker’s pants.  Hey, people will always find a way to have their dram of whisky.  Ingenious!

Onto the whisky.  In 2014, Piers Adams purchased the Craigellachie Hotel in the Speyside region of Scotland.  As you’re aware, Speyside features the highest concentration of distillieries in that country.  Adams named the hotel pub “Copper Dog” and sought out the creation of a whisky.

Adams teamed up Stuart Morrison, master blender of Copper Dog, to come up with a new whisky blend.  The resultant blended malt features whiskies from at least eight Speyside distilleries of various ages and cask types.  It’s bottled at 40% ABV and priced at about $32.99.  And I’ve got to say, it’s quite good.

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Copper Dog’s nose features hints of spiced pears and crisp apples, alongside toffee and vanilla and some baking spice.   The palate features similar notes – orchard fruits, spice, and vanilla.  There’s also an element of dried fruit, which indicates some sherry casks.  It’s low proof still yields a slightly creamy whisky.  The finish has hints of dried fruit, spice, and just a touch of oak.

It’s Speyside in a glass, and damn easy to drink.  I found it flavorful enough to drink on its own, though the marketing and price seem to skew towards using Copper Dog in cocktails.  The Old Fashioned I made with it was nice enough, but I’ve quite enjoyed it neat ever other time.  Having spent a bit of time with Copper Dog, it has kind of become one of my ‘house whiskies’.  Now, if Copper Dog would only make it to Louisiana…    8.5/10

Thanks to Copper Dog for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Review: Glenmorangie Spios Single Malt Whisky
Glenmorangie Private Edition 9 Spios_Bottle and Pack on transparent background copy

Photo courtesy of Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie’s base whisky, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, is known for its light floral and honey notes.  From this base, the distillery’s core lineup utilizes different cask types for secondary maturation: port, sherry, and Sauternes.

For their Private Edition series, experimentation is the name of the game.  Glenmorangie’s played around with additional cask types for secondary maturation.  They’ve even changed the type of barley used in their whisky for one bottling.

Glenmorangie Spios (Gaeilic for spice), ninth in the Private Edition series, sees the first use of rye whiskey casks for full maturation of a single malt.  Recently there was a Johnnie Walker blend that was finished in rye casks, but to my recollection Glenmorangie Spios is the first Scotch single malt whisky to fully mature in American ex-rye casks.

The nose is wonderfully balanced. Hints of vanilla and rye spice are at the forefront, followed closely by cardamom, toffee and light floral notes. The palate, like the nose, carries the Glenmorangie Original flavor profile with a spice kick. Light toffee and creamy vanilla start things off. The rye cask influence soon develops, adding rye spice and a sprinkling of herbs, including dill – a note frequently found in rye whiskey. There is a slightly buttery quality here as well. The medium length finish keeps those sweet and spicy notes going, turning slightly dry after a few moments.

Glenmorangie whisky maker Dr. Bill Lumsden’s fascination with wood pays off yet again. Spios keeps the light character Glenmorangie is known for, while adding that bit of spice and herbs. The rye casks don’t overpower in any way. Rather, they complement the delicate distillate and in turn provide a whisky any Glenmorangie fan is sure to enjoy. 8.5/10

Glenmorangie.com

Thanks to Glenmorangie for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Film Review: NEAT: The Story of Bourbon

It’s not everyday I get to review a film here on this blog, much less one about my favorite subject: whiskey.  With NEAT: The Story of Bourbon, director David Altrogge has crafted a thoroughly engaging story about not only bourbon, but the people who make it, live it, love it, collect it, mix it, dig it, and drink it.

The documentary follows the chronological timeline of America’s native spirit, from the distillation of whiskey by early pioneers to the current thriving bourbon environment.  Distillers from the major American bourbon distilleries move the history along, preaching their love of the spirit along the way.

Two people anchor the film: Castle and Key Master Distiller Marianne Barnes and third generation Buffalo Trace employee Freddie Johnson.  Barnes shares some firsts on camera, like buying corn and filling barrels, as viewers join in her journey of reviving a historical distillery with a new brand.  Johnson continues to wear his passion for bourbon on his sleeve with every story he tells.  It’s clear after watching that both Barnes and Johnson have bourbon running through their veins.

Occasionally, Altrogge interjects bourbon facts presented by none other than actor Steve Zahn.  Keep an eye on that fox!  The comedic interludes also prove educational, informing viewers of important milestones in the spirit’s history, like the Bottled-In-Bond Act.

NEAT is the eye-candy equivalent of a that first sip of bourbon hitting your tongue, featuring mesmorizing images captured with flair by cinematographer Michael J. Hartnett.  Magic hour photography, backlit bottles, and slow-motion pours (and that bokeh – oh my!) only add to the beauty of the storytelling.

Grab a glass of your favorite bourbon, turn down the lights, and take a trip down bourbon lane.  Altrogge’s NEAT is a film for the whiskey drinker, both experienced and novice, filled with knowledge, passion and heart.

Highly recommended. 🥃🥃🥃🥃

NEAT: The Store of Bourbon is now available to rent or purchase on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.