Copper & Cask Small Batch Series 002 Cigar Blend Whiskey

The presentation is appealing but incomplete. The outer box is very well-crafted with heavy paperboard, a linen-like texture, rose-gold foil accents, and a substantial parchment inner label with a sophisticated magnetic closure. The bottle echoes the heavy labels and foil but is otherwise quite functional in glass and shape, lacking the linen texture and featuring a synthetic cork. It feels like the concept was only partially realized. A deep amber with reddish-orange tones. The viscosity and legs don't align with the 120 proof expectation. The aroma highlights sweet, fruit-forward cask influence without masking the rye's character. Notes of vegetal, floral, vanilla, mace, and cardamom are present. It evokes a honeysuckle bush that has been mowed. Fresh green bean is also detected. With more time, the Port wine's aroma becomes dominant. Sharp ethanol is noticeable neat, but it quickly mellows with dilution into something resembling baked apple crisp. Once again, the rye and proof emerge first. Only afterward do the other elements and cask influence make themselves known. Orange liqueur, nutmeg, vanilla, and a distinct spice are present neat. It's sweet yet assertive. After dilution, the flavors remain sharp but become more accessible. Notes of spiced, stewed pear with clove, orange zest, and more cider characteristics appear. Vanilla cavendish tobacco is also detected. I wasn't impressed when I first tried it months ago, but revisiting it now, I can confidently say this is quite enjoyable and well-barreled. It's unlikely to ever be an effortlessly sweet drink, but it offers a spicy-sweet deviation from the norm. For $70, I consider this a worthwhile exploration and a fair value. If the finishing appeals to your taste, I suggest giving it a try.

119.8 proof. Bourbon finished in barrels that previously held Armagnac, Cognac, Oloroso sherry, and port. Notes of corn, toasted caramel, butter, grapes, apples, cinnamon, oak, sour mash, orange, prunes, apricots, chocolate, cherries, and brown sugar are present.