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Copperworks Distilling Releases Nation’s First Salmon-Safe Whiskey

The recently released Copperworks Distilling’s Whiskey Release 039 aims to set a sustainability bar as an American single malt whiskey that helps protect Washington state’s rivers and watersheds. The release is the nation’s first whiskey made with “Salmon-Safe” ingredients.

“We love supporting farmers that help protect our watersheds,” said Jason Parker, Copperworks Distilling co-founder and president, in a prepared statement. “And as it turns out, the varietal from this farm has produced some beautiful whiskey. We’re tasting flavors that reflect cedar and fruity red wine, which are dramatically different from other grains that we use. We’re really excited to release this whiskey, and in turn, support farmers that are protecting our planet.”

Founded by river protection organization Pacific Rivers, Salmon-Safe works to inspire land management practices that protect water quality and wildlife habitat. Salmon-Safe’s peer reviewed certification standards focus on reducing watershed impacts from farm operations.

Copperworks Distilling’s Whiskey Release 039
Copperworks Distilling’s Whiskey Release 039 (image via Copperworks Distilling)

To qualify for certification, farms meet rigorous conservation requirements including enhancing habitat for wildlife, implementing biological and cultural controls for pests and phasing out pesticides harmful to fish and wildlife, restoring stream habitat, and implementing practices to promote soil health and prevent runoff from fields.

In Walla Walla, Washington, Salmon-Safe certified farmland produces barley and wheat thanks to the work of Mainstem Malt, a company that recruits landowners to adopt the certification so that it can provide single varieties of Salmon-Safe grains from single family-farms to breweries and distilleries.

The company worked with H.T. Rea Farm to grow the Genie malt used in Copperworks’ American SIngle Malt Whiskey Release 039. As part of its certification, the farm places buffers around tributaries, which connect to the Columbia River, restricts hazardous chemicals and pesticides, adopts minimum tilling practices, and has removed in-stream crossings to control erosion.

“The Genie malt in this whiskey is really a place-based experiment,” said Mainstem Malt founder, Phil Neumann. “Not only do we get to taste the ‘terroir’ of dry-farmed grain from Walla Walla, we know that this grain comes from a farm that intentionally protects the land and water downstream through its commitment to Salmon-Safe farming practices.”

Release 039 is limited to 2,103 bottles. Copperworks plans to continue experimenting with this single variety grain so consumers can explore how the malt’s flavor changes depending on weather conditions and other factors, year over year.

Copperworks Release 039 comes with a suggested price of $59.89 and is available online at copperworksdistilling.com or at the distillery, located in Seattle, Washington.

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