First Cut: Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about a First Cut membership and place your order on the Copperworks Online Store. If you have additional questions not listed here, please send us a message at [email protected].

How long does my membership last?

Your membership will be valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase. In fact, your membership will be valid through the end of the month in the following year. For example, if you purchase a membership on November 15, 2023, your membership will be valid through November 30, 2024. We’ll send a reminder prior to the end of your membership if you’d like to renew.

How do I redeem my extra perks?

The following extra perks will be valid during the length of your First Cut membership.

• Signed bottles: When placing your order on our online store, please add a note saying “Signed bottles” at checkout. We’ll include a reminder to do this in every First Cut email. Please note that you must include this note to receive signed bottles; we will not ship them automatically.
• Priority access to bottling parties and virtual tasting events: You will receive an invitation via email to bottling parties at our Seattle waterfront distillery. You’ll also see an invitation to a virtual tasting event in each email that announces a special release. We’ll prioritize access for First Cut members for both of these events which generally have a cap on attendance.
• 50% off spirits tasting flights at Copperworks locations: During your membership, you and up to three guests will receive 50% off spirits tasting flights at any Copperworks location. When you arrive, simply let us know that you’re a First Cut member. We’ll verify your name on our register behind the counter.
  • Please note that your guests must be present with you to receive the discount. Additionally, this discount applies only to spirits flights. It will not apply towards cocktails (available at our Kenmore location), merchanise, or bottle sales.

How many new releases will I have advance access to?

We’re not able to specify how many releases might come out during your membership. Generally, we announce about a half dozen special release whiskeys and a handful of special release gins each calendar year.

How many bottles can I buy in advance of a public release?

As many as your home bar will hold and that we have in stock! Currently, there is no limit on the number of bottles you can purchase as a First Cut member.

Will I receive my bottles of the special releases before they are announced to the public?

Possibly. This depends on how quickly you place your order and our shipping schedule, although we generally begin shipping First Cut orders the day following the announcement. So, while you’ll definitely be able to order in advance, we can’t guarantee you’ll receive the shipment before public release. If you’d like to pick up the bottle at our distillery  rather than having it shipped before the public release, you can select that option during checkout.

Can I get multiple bottles of the exclusive whiskey?

Each First Cut membership is limited to one bottle of the First Cut exclusive release. However, there’s no limit on how many First Cut memberships you can buy.

What if I don’t see the email alerting me to advance purchase?

We’ll send an email to the address you provide to us seven days before the release is available to the public. The subject of the email will identify it as a First Cut announcement. We suggest you make sure your spam filters recognize Copperworks as a safe sender. And, you can always email [email protected] to check your membership status.

Can I arrange to have products shipped automatically; in case I don’t see the email alert?

We want to offer as much flexibility on purchasing special releases as possible and not lock customers into receiving releases. So, we’re only able to offer the ability to order in advance, not the ability to have releases automatically purchased and shipped.

Can I give First Cut as a gift?

Yes! Just put the name and email address of the intended recipient in the “Add special instructions” box on the “Your cart” page of the online store. Please also put the recipient’s name and physical address for the Shipping Address.

Does the price include taxes and shipping?

The one-time fee of $135 includes all applicable taxes for the exclusive bottle. Shipping is free in the continental U.S. on orders of at least $115. If applicable, fees to ship advance purchases will be added when you purchase the products in our online store. See shipping info.