Coppersea – Corn Whisky (75cl, 48%)

A corn whisky from Coppersea in New York, bottled at 96 proof (48% ABV) in a 75cl bottle. It looks back to an earlier era of American whisky-making, when distillers often reconditioned and reused barrels. Coppersea ages it in a mix of second-use bourbon, rye, brandy and wine barrels, along with barrels it has reconditioned and reblasted itself. The whisky is then blended from individual barrels. The nose shows big red fruit, strawberries and currants, over a cornbread backbone, ending in a confectionery note much like strawberry shortcake. On the palate, subtle vanilla and toast come from the oak, and the finish is long.