American

Copper & Kings Bourbon Finished in Brandy Barrels Review

What happens when bourbon meets apple brandy barrels in the heart of Louisville? Copper and Kings blends age and fruit-forward finishing for a uniquely versatile pour.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Copper and Kings out of Louisville Kentucky, is a “Brandy distillery in the hear of Bourbon Country.” The distillery is attempting to bring back one of America’s oldest distillates – Brandy. They’re choosing America’s beating heart of whiskey production, Louisville to do it.

The distillery boasts three flagship products: American Apple Brandy, VSOP Brandy, and Bourbon finished in Brandy Barrels.

This review deals with the Bourbon. In marketing materials the brand explains the bourbon, “Finished for up to 3 years in American Apple Brandy Barrels. Aged Blend of 5-17+ Years. Fruit notes naturally pull from our distinctive brandy finish. A new favorite on your shelf.”
Appearance:
Golden wheat with quick medium legs.
Nose:
To start the profile there is a little alcohol followed quickly with warm mulled cider or fruit. Overall the profile is soft with some red apples, cinnamon, and white sugar.
Palate:
Lightly spicey to kick things off with a subtle but present note of oak and plump fruit. About mid-sip you can sense the age of the whiskey but it isn’t too distracting. There is some nice thick caramel with bitterness of burnt sugar.
Finish:
A watery mouthfeel and short finish which is par for the course of a younger whiskey. There is some cigar smoke mixed with some black pepper before evolving to show off a bit more of the fruitiness. Overall it’s delicate.
Comments:
I found this to be a nice example of a finished bourbon. There is plenty to enjoy here and explore. I recall the price point on these being very consumer friendly and I think that’s a huge plus. The whiskey has complexity due to the unique combination of flavors from the brandy. It is young, no doubt about it, the profile doesn’t mask the age. However, if you’re out for a versatile new bourbon that could add some fun to your cocktails, this is a great option!

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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