Whisky Review/Tasting: Copper Dog

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky is a blend of eight Speyside malts, matured in a variety of casks including refill American and European oak casks, first fill bourbon, and rejuvenated casks.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is implied to have a light appearance.
Bottle Design: The bottle may come with a unique accessory in some regions - a little copper dog (a small copper vial), though it's recommended not to store the whisky in it due to copper's reactive nature.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a light, balanced profile with a focus on honey and heathery notes.
Unique Characteristics: It has a fresh, light fruitiness with green apple and a slight hint of honey. The taste is described as light, with a honey, heathery feeling and a bit of nuttiness, reminiscent of wild honey with a hint of fruitiness.
Comparison: It is differentiated from many Speyside whiskies by its absence of sherry influence, presenting a lighter, more floral and honey-like profile.

Backstory: Copper Dog was founded by Piers Adam, the proprietor of the Craigellachie Hotel, which houses a bar also named Copper Dog. The whisky aims to celebrate the heritage of Speyside, a region historically known for illegal distilling and smuggling, using "copper dogs" (copper tubes used to smuggle whisky).
Anecdotes: The host shares a personal experience visiting the Copper Dog pub, noting its exceptional whisky selection and recommending a visit.

Speyside Heritage: The whisky is deeply rooted in the Speyside region's history of distilling and smuggling, with the name and concept paying homage to the traditional "copper dog" smuggling tool.
Craigellachie Hotel: The hotel and its bar play a significant role in the whisky's story, serving as the birthplace of Copper Dog and a destination for whisky enthusiasts.

"It's a light whiskey, but minus the sherry. You do have a lot of Speysiders that rely heavily on the sherry, but this one is more of a light flowery honey honey like one."
"It really reminds me of a wild honey that is very just a very basic rough honey with a bit of a hint of fruitiness in there."

Copper Dog is a blended malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, comprising eight malts and matured in a variety of casks.
It features a light, honeyed, and heathery flavor profile, distinct from the sherry-influenced Speyside whiskies.
The whisky celebrates Speyside's illicit distilling and smuggling past, with its name and concept inspired by the "copper dog" smuggling tool.
The Craigellachie Hotel and its Copper Dog bar are central to the whisky's story, offering a rich selection of whiskies and recommended as a must-visit for those in the region.
The whisky is recommended for those who appreciate a lighter, non-sherry influenced Speyside malt, with a unique historical backstory.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in the rich history and heritage of Speyside whisky making and smuggling.
For Casual Drinkers: Individuals looking for a light, easy-drinking Scotch that offers a departure from the heavier, sherry-cask influenced Speyside malts.
For Collectors: The unique bottle design, especially versions that come with a copper dog vial, may appeal to collectors looking for distinctive items.