AT COPPER FOX, WE HAVE A PARTICULAR PASSION FOR WHISKY.
The revelation of a distinct and wonderful whisky that uses fruitwood peat came to me as I visited many American distilleries with the dream of opening my own. By spring of 2000, I made the journey to Scotland, home of more than 130 distilleries and arguably the best whisky in the world. I came away with new knowledge — and great appreciation of the necessary skill, a reinforced determination, and an offer to intern at Bowmore Distillery on Islay, one of the few distilleries in the world that still malts their own barley. Three years later, Copper Fox Whisky was launched into the marketplace as the first applewood-aged whisky in the world. Our distillery in Sperryville opened in January of 2005, and with it, the first US distillery malt floor and kiln since the repeal of Prohibition.
All of our grains are grown locally by one farmer, and our 6-row Thoroughbred barley was developed for us at Virginia Tech. We floor malt the barley in the traditional style, which allows us to develop and maintain a connection to the grain throughout our entire production process.
Our innovation begins in the kiln, where instead of peat, we use local fruitwoods to gently smoke and dry the grain.
Copper Fox is the only distillery on the planet to mature their whisky with toasted applewood. This process further develops and enhances the flavor of the smoky malt, resulting in a complex and singular flavor experience.
All of our products are non-chill filtered, allowing the natural oils to deliver to you the rich, full flavor of our grain.
We believe the result is something distinctive, original, and unlike anything else you've tasted.
Our continuing quest to bring new flavors to the whisky world led us to the delicate complexities of peachwood. Both as a smoking medium during the kiln drying process and as a maturing catalyst inside our barrels, peachwood contributes a symphony of fruity, floral notes to our signature single malt.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Auburn, tarnished copper
Nose: Complex aromas of ripe stone fruit, sweet smoke/ash (campfire) and cinnamon pastry
Palate: Medium-full body; just slightly tannic/drying, sweet but earthy at the same time; syrupy mouthfeel; flavors of marzipan, clove, orange zest, and underneath it all a subtle, salty smokiness
Finish: Medium-long, dried fruit, raw honey, and toasted oak notes