We’re excited about the cask-finished gins we’re releasing today: Copperworks Gin that’s been finished in two casks that previously held some of the world’s finest peated scotch whiskey.
We procured two special casks from a partner in the U.K.: one cask that had previously held Laphroaig Whisky and one that held Caol Ila Whisky. These distilleries are located on the island of Islay, the region of Scotland famous for peated whisky. We filled each cask with our Small Batch Gin recipe and let it rest: in the Laphroaig cask for seven months and in the Caol Ila for 10 months. The results are two peaty gins that are remarkably different and especially enjoyable to compare side-by-side.
The Caol Ila cask version is lighter with citrus notes and the Laphroaig cask version is heavier and smokier. Both gins are enjoyable on their own, as sipping gins. And they both offer flavors robust enough to feature in spirit-forward cocktails.
Copperworks Peated Cask Finished Gin (Caol Ila Cask): Aromas of fresh lime, campfire, cumin, sandalwood, and grilled pineapple that lead to earthy, heather, blackberry honey, and citrus pith flavors. Finishes with notes of leather, desert spices (particularly sage), and a rounding earthiness. 236 bottles (750ml) available. $49.95 (not including tax or shipping).
Copperworks Peated Cask Finished Gin (Laphroaig Cask): Aromas of driftwood smoke, musk, pine tar, and cedar lead to flavors of matcha green tea, tobacco, and cardamom. Finishes with a long incense and cigar smoke impression. 242 bottles (750ml) available. $49.95 (not including tax or shipping).
Cocktail Ideas for Copperworks Peated Cask Finished Gins
Cask’s Word
A variation of the Last Word cocktail:
- ¾ oz. Copperworks Peated Cask Finished Gin (Caol Ila Cask)
- ¾ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ oz. Green Chartreuse
- ¾ oz. Maraschino Liqueur
Shake ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker until very cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Peated Gin Old-Fashioned
A variation on an Old-Fashioned:
- 2 oz. Copperworks Peated Cask Finished Gin (Laphroaig Cask)
- ½ oz. agave syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Orange peel garnish
Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into an old-fashioned glass (ice optional). Garnish with orange peel.