Review: Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey and Arette Single Malt
On January 19, 2024, American single malt whiskey received formal recognition from the Federal Tobacco, Tax, and Trade Bureau. Seattle’s Copperworks Distilling played a central role in the push for an official standard of identity. Although the designation itself is still new, Copperworks has spent more than a decade producing unique, high-quality American single malt. Copperworks supplied Drinkhacker with two 2025 releases for review: Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey and Copperworks Arette Tequila Cask American Single Malt.
Copperworks Kilt Lifter Whiskey Review
In 1989, Pike Brewing Company poured its first keg in Pike Place Market and helped set the course for modern Northwest craft brewing. Jason Parker, now president and co-founder of Copperworks, was Pike’s first brewer during those formative years, learning his craft while the region’s beer culture was finding its footing. Kilt Lifter Whiskey serves as a nod to that chapter, created in collaboration with Pike Brewing and inspired by the brewery’s Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale.
The whiskey is distilled from the same base recipe as the beer, with hops intentionally left out. Its mashbill includes an extensive range of malts, with malted wheat playing a notable role. In descending order by volume, the grains are Gambrinus ESB, Maris Otter pale malt, Crystal 70/80, Munich 10L, Carapils, malted wheat, roasted barley, and peated malt. Because of the wheat content, the whiskey does not qualify as American single malt, making this the first release from Copperworks outside that classification.
Fermentation ran for 7 days at 71 degrees Fahrenheit using ale yeast sourced from Pike Brewing. Distillation took place on Forsyths copper pot stills, with heart cuts averaging 135 proof. The spirit entered barrels at 117 proof and matured in new 53 gallon American oak barrels from Canton Cooperage with a #2 char. Of the 7 barrels used, half featured staves seasoned outdoors for three years, while the remainder used two-year seasoned staves. All barrels were filled on March 6, 2020 and matured for 2,082 days, or 5.7 years.
The batch reached a natural proof of 129.5 before being reduced to 100 proof through progressive proofing over the course of a single day. After 5 days of rest, the whiskey was bottled.
Aromas open with roasted chestnuts and fresh honeysuckle, followed by pineapple gummy bears and chocolate mousse as the glass sits. The palate begins with allspice and toasted English muffins, then moves into sultanas and milk chocolate with a medium-thick body. The finish delivers lemon pound cake and cinnamon, closing with candied pineapple and muted peppermint. Copperworks’ first release outside the American single malt framework lands with poise, and its time in new charred oak will resonate with drinkers accustomed to bourbon. 100 proof. B+ / $60
Copperworks Arette Tequila Cask American Single Malt Review
After the positive reception of Special Release No. 037 in May 2021, Copperworks revisited the Arette tequila cask concept with a new expression released in November 2025. This whiskey is distilled from Copperworks’ signature five malt mashbill and was originally filled into a 53 gallon refill American single malt cask on May 28, 2018 at 115 proof. The base spirit matured for 5 years and 7 months before being transferred on January 10, 2025 into a 53 gallon Arette tequila cask at 125 proof.
The finishing period lasted an additional 1 year and 9 months, more than twice the tequila cask time used for Special Release No. 037. Total maturation reached at least 7 years and 5 months. Natural batch proof measured 129.7 before reduction to 100 proof. After resting 6 days at bottling strength, the whiskey was bottled.
The nose presents rosemary and citrus-forward hop notes, followed by powdered sugar and camphor rub with air exposure. On the palate, nectarine zest and pencil shavings lead the way. As it develops, corn silk and pencil graphite contribute an unconventional but fascinatingly enjoyable profile, supported by a medium-thick mouthfeel. The finish offers toasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon, ending with raisin paste and healthy dose of lemon zest. This is a playful yet well-aged American single malt, and the tequila cask influence proves far more successful here than it often does with bourbon. 100 proof. B+ / $90
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