Copperworks New Oak Cask Finished Gin (Release No. 030)

A bourbon enthusiast explores gin for the second time. I haven't sampled many gins. It's been a long time since my last one. I'm not very familiar with the terminology or the flavor profiles typically used to describe gin. I wouldn't have my current position if I didn't attempt to discuss things intelligently about which I have little knowledge, as if I have any right to be here. This is someone who primarily drinks bourbon attempting to appreciate gin. Many thanks to a friend for the sample! The aroma is of pine, lemon, and mint. The body has a syrupy orange sweetness. It evokes the sensation of orange-flavored candy. Like a peppermint stick. The finish offers more orange and butter. It gives the impression of an orange cookie. A mint note lingers at the end. There's a hint of cinnamon. So, superficially: it has color, similar to Glenmorangie. There's warmth in the body. I don't really register it, being the most biased type of bourbon enthusiast. You know the kind. But it's present in the mouthfeel, and I appreciate that. Perhaps the finish had an effect that resonated with my preferences, because the flavors, to my inexperienced palate, are reminiscent of the last gin I tried: Nolet's Silver. However, I found that one undrinkable, and this one might end up on my shelf someday.

On the palate and nose, it strongly resembles whiskey. Initial notes include significant oak, vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, followed by emerging botanicals. It's quite complex for a spirit that isn't heavily flavored. It's very good. It's noted that it's aged in char 3, which is useful information. Avoid drinking this immediately after whiskey; instead, a clean palate reveals substantial complexity with subtle notes of rich wood, spicy herbal gin characteristics, and a pleasant vanilla and floral sweetness. This surpasses Batch 206 aged counter (4 years), which in turn is superior to Voyager dry gin (unaged). There's also a pleasant citrus tang providing freshness. The aging is quite effective; it doesn't taste young but exhibits complexity. A subtle presence of tannin adds an aged quality that complements the dry, herbal nature of the gin. This is a highly enjoyable spirit.

Rating: 17/23 This might not be as well-rounded as the standard Copperworks gin, but it increases the vanilla and adds some good wood maturity. I wish it had a bit more balance, but this is a great example of why barrel-aged gin and perhaps whiskey aged with herbs should be more common. Compared to a mature bourbon, it doesn't have the same barrel presence, but it's comparable to a 2-year-old (and maybe some 4-year-olds). That's not the point here, though – it has a fantastic profile. It could also be a substitute for whiskey in cocktails on a warm summer day. I'm not sure I've explained this well, but it deserves a 17.

Smoother than their non-aged gin. Tasting notes mentioned caramel and vanilla, and I got those right away. My first thought was actually apple pie. This may taste very good in a fall cocktail.:)

The first gin I've enjoyed served over ice. Packed with flavor.