Just in time to celebrate National Beer Day, we’re excited to introduce our first special release of 2023: the Hair of the Dog Brewing Cask Finished Collection! This collection features two single cask American Single Malt Whiskeys accompanied by two cask finished gins. Each spirit was finished in a cask previously used by Hair of the Dog Brewing, resulting in unique flavors that represent the endless possibilities when craft brewing meets craft distilling.
In early 2022, legendary Portland brewery Hair of the Dog Brewing announced its closure after nearly 30 years in business. Hair of the Dog was known for creative, richly flavored brews and was barrel aging beers long before it was cool. This was our first – and last – chance to acquire casks from this pioneer in craft beer. Considering our own origins as craft brewers, we knew we couldn’t miss out on the opportunity.
Keep reading below for details on each product in this very special collection.
Note: This collection will be available exclusively at our Seattle Distillery and Tasting Room, and our online store, beginning April 7, 2023.
Want to purchase sooner? Become a First Cut 2023 member for early access to this collection, plus all special releases in 2023.
“Matt” and “Adam” American Single Malt Whiskeys
The two American Single Malt whiskeys in this collection share the same beginning. Both were crafted from a single variety of barley called Genie, grown on a single farm in Athena, Oregon. They matured for 3 years and 3 months in new American Oak casks from Canton Cooperage with char #2 and 36-month seasoned staves. Then, their journeys diverged as they entered casks previously used by Hair of the Dog.
“Matt” American Single Malt Whiskey
Finished for 8 months in a Hair of the Dog “Matt” cask, a bourbon cask that previously held Hair of the Dog’s Matt American Strong ale.
Tasting notes: Maraschino cherry, plum, raisin, and chocolate malt balls are the main feature on the nose, with later appearances of citrus and milk chocolate. Warming on the palate, these notes remain present yet drip with vanilla and caramel. The finish is luscious with oak, spice, and some citrus joining the party.
50% ABV (100 Proof) | 179 bottles produced (750 ml)
$89.99 (plus tax and shipping)
“Adam” American Single Malt Whiskey
Finished for 8 months in a Hair of the Dog “Adam” cask, a bourbon cask that previously held Hair of the Dog’s Adam ale.
Tasting notes: A summer’s day greets you on the nose with bright citrus, confectioners’ sugar, pine, and strawberry. This lends an effervescent quality to the palate with more citrus and cinnamon, accompanied by a malty sweetness with spice and chocolate lava cake dancing around the edges. Finishing bright and long with spice, vanilla, candied orange peel and apple tart making an appearance.
50% ABV (100 Proof) | 253 bottles produced (750 ml)
$89.99 (plus tax and shipping)
“Matt” and “Adam” Cask Finished Gins
These cask finished gins are equally as distinct and delicious. They share the same base: Copperworks Small Batch Gin, our ten-botanical recipe. Each gin was entered into a cask previously used by Hair of the Dog, mirroring the journey of their whiskey counterparts.
“Matt” Cask Finished Gin
Finished for 8 months in a Hair of the Dog “Matt” cask, a sherry cask that previously held Hair of the Dog’s Matt American Strong ale.
Tasting notes: Cocoa powder surprises and delights on the nose with dark chocolate, pine, and mint intermingling. Sweet citrus is abundant on the palate, with yuzu and creamsicle while vanilla, white pepper, and a touch of grape pomace balance the sweetness. The finish is melted vanilla ice cream with a touch of chinotto and mint.
50% ABV (100 Proof) | 319 bottles produced (750 ml)
$49.95 (plus tax and shipping)
“Adam” Cask Finished Gin
Finished for 8 months in a Hair of the Dog “Adam” cask, a bourbon cask that previously held Hair of the Dog’s Adam ale.
Tasting notes: Bright and fresh like a spring day, the nose offers notes of sugared ruby red grapefruit, kumquat, tart cherries, and cinnamon. The palate follows with freshly smashed chocolate orange accompanied by monkey bread, tangerine, cotton candy, and sage, all supported by the small batch gin base. Rounding out the experience are hints of sugar cane, cherry pie filling, sarsaparilla, and spice.
47.05% ABV (94.1 Proof) | 198 bottles produced (750 ml)
$49.95 (plus tax and shipping)