Copper Fox makes some of the most unique single malts I’ve ever tasted. Their signature single malt is unique, but their peachwood-finished single malt takes uniqueness to a whole new level. Tonight’s dram is finished with a more traditional port cask. To the eye, the dark auburn bronze is alluring, like good thick black tea with a shot of cranberry juice. It opens on the palate as beautifully as it does to the eye with bold stone fruit (peaches, apricots, cherries, and plums) and a cornucopia of berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and huckleberries – flavor of each comes through) with a sweet smoke, followed by white pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest. Like the Signature and Peachwood drams, the bitterness of underripe peaches (likely from the peachwood) balances the sweetness of the fruit and berries to deliver a balanced and complex flavor profile. Additional sips reveal more smoked fruit, dark honey, and tanned leather (I never thought I would taste leather, but that’s the only way I can describe it). The light-oily mouthfeel and clingy legs deliver a long semi-sweet smoky peppery finish where the stone-fruit and berries shine through. The port cask adds another dimension to the already complex, well-balanced dram. If a simple dram is what you seek, this is not for you; however, if you want a dram that just keeps delivering layer-after-layer of flavor, give this one a sip… or two… or ten.
Drink slow, drink long, drink a variety, drink often.