Copper Fox Rye doesn’t taste like any other rye I’ve had. I’m very familiar with the Kentucky and Indiana mass produced ryes. But this rye was a surprise, it’s truly unique in many ways.
Copper Fox Distillery can be considered a craft whiskey company. They are a true “farm to table” distiller. All of the grains used in their whiskeys are grown in Virginia, by one farmer.
The mash bill of the Copper Fox Rye is no secret, it’s listed right on the bottle. It’s comprised of 2/3 Virginia grown rye and 1/3 hand malted barley. That’s right, hand malted in the USA. In 2005, Copper Fox Distillery opened the first US distillery malt floor and kiln since Prohibition. The barley is kiln dried with tasty apple and cherry wood smoke, instead of peat.
Being named Copper Fox Distillery, they fittingly use copper pot stills. The rye is double distilled between 150 to 160 proof to enhance the fruit flavors.
The aging is short, only 19 months, but intense. It rests in used bourbon barrels in combination with new and used apple wood and oak chips. Copper Fox is one of the only distilleries to age whiskey with toasted apple wood. The whiskey is then aged further in a second used bourbon barrel. Then it’s non-chill filtered to retain more of the fruity flavor.
Rick Wasmund, The founder of Copper Fox Distillery, trained in Scotland at the Bowmore distillery, where he was encouraged to experiment. After he interned at Bowmore, he came back to the states and created something very unique. There is so much more to the story that can be explained here.
This review is for the blue top wax seal. In comparison, the standard rye used to have a red top. The blue top takes the standard red top rye and further ages it in used port style wine casks from a local winery. These days the wax has been replaced with a sticker seal.
Tasting Notes: Copper Fox Rye “Blue Top”
Vital Stats: 90 Proof, the mash bill is 2/3 rye and 1/3 malted barley, aged 19 months, ~$90, 750 ml, double Pot-stilled
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Appearance: The whiskey has a very rich dark copper color. Also, it’s non-chill filtered and may contain sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
Aroma: There are green apple, brown sugar, maple syrup, spicy rye, and rich malty aromas.
Palate: The green apple soothes out to have a fresh yet malty silky mouthfeel. It definitely has a peppery spice which has a mineral dry finish. Wine cherry notes are also prominent.
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