American Single Malt Whiskey (ASMW) is an emerging spirit poised to redefine the U.S. whiskey landscape. Unlike traditional American whiskeys, ASMW is made from 100 percent malted barley at a single distillery, similar to its Scottish counterpart but with a distinctly American twist. The spirit reflects the creativity and terroir of local distillers, offering something new to whiskey enthusiasts.
One of the pioneers of ASMW is Copperworks Distilling Company, a craft distillery located on the Seattle waterfront. Founded by Jason Parker and Micah Nutt, both experienced craft brewers, Copperworks was established to explore the possibilities of malted barley by distilling high-quality craft beer (without hops) into fine spirits. Their approach to ASMW combines the art of brewing with the craft of distillation, creating a truly unique product.
Copperworks opened in 2013, offering tastings, tours and events focused on educating people about distilled spirits. The distillery produces small-batch American Single Malt Whiskey, gin and vodka, all made from malted barley and distilled in traditional copper stills designed specifically for the company in Scotland. This dedication to craft and innovation earned them the title of ‘2018 Distillery of the Year’ by the American Distilling Institute, along with praise from whiskey experts like Dom Roskrow of Whiskey America, who said, “The Copperworks distillery is something of a rare phenomenon: a business that is both of the moment and one to keep an eye on in the future.”
After 11 years, Copperworks spirits can now be found on shelves in bars, restaurants, and stores throughout Washington State. Recently, they expanded to a new cocktail bar and tasting room in Kenmore, WA. A key aspect of ASMW is its unique production process. Copperworks exemplifies this innovation by crafting whiskey from beer without hops. This method results in a flavor profile that blends characteristics of both bourbon and scotch, creating something entirely new. “It doesn’t taste like bourbon, it doesn’t taste like scotch, but something entirely new that remains familiar to both bourbon and scotch drinkers.”
Last year, Copperworks opened a brand-new cocktail bar and tasting room in Kenmore, just off the Burke-Gilman Trail. Serving flights and cocktails using the Copperworks lineup of spirits (along with other local products), it has become a spot for the community to come together. From weekly bluegrass jams led by President and Co-Founder Jason Parker to pop-up markets and events supporting local nonprofits, they have been hard at work fostering meaningful connections in the Kenmore area.
As their one-year anniversary in Kenmore approaches, Copperworks is in the process of building out a kitchen to welcome De La Soil as their food partner. De La Soil is the passion project of Chefs Cody and Andrea Westerfield, who have been teaming up with local farmers to bring truly close-to-home farm-to-table fare to the Kenmore area. This collaboration will allow Copperworks Kenmore and De La Soil to offer a space that thoughtfully combines farm-to-glass and farm-to-table under the same roof, all while continuing to strengthen its role as a fun and community-oriented space in Kenmore.
ASMW distillers often prioritize flavor over efficiency, focusing on aspects of single malt whiskey production that traditional distilleries don’t. For example, distillers like Copperworks source single-varietal barleys from single farmers in their home state of Washington with whom they have direct relationships. This allows them to seek out flavor in the barley, rather than settle for barley selected by the commodity system, which prioritizes yield and other economic factors. Not only is this highly supportive of local grain economies, as these distilleries are typically willing to pay more for the barley than other buyers, but it also results in flavors never before possible in single malt whiskey.
Although the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has yet to officially recognize ASMW as a legal category, over 300 labels have already been approved. With recognition anticipated soon, ASMW is set to cement its place in the pantheon of American spirits.
“It leads to a completely different whiskey flavor than traditional products… It’s just exciting,” says Parker. With its distinctive taste and growing popularity, American Single Malt Whiskey offers a bold new option for whiskey lovers everywhere.
Discover more about the craftsmanship at Copperworks Distilling Company by visiting during their tasting room hours or booking a distillery tour online at copperworksdistilling.com.
