Review: Copper and Cask Bourbon Small Batch Series – Double Oak and Cigar Blend
Copper & Cask is a relatively new whiskey brand owned by Latitude Beverages, a Rhode Island–based non-distilling producer. While Latitude’s Wheel Horse Whiskey originates in Kentucky, working exclusively with bourbon and rye distilled in Owensboro, Copper & Cask casts a wider net — working with distilleries across Indiana, Kentucky, and Canada.
Launched in 2021, Copper & Cask was founded on a vision to curate an expansive library of aged whiskey barrels, each destined for single barrel selections. In 2022, that vision evolved with the addition of Barrel Master Stephen Corrigan, who brought a new dimension to the brand through secondary maturation and small-batch blending.
Since then, Copper & Cask has steadily built an impressive catalog of releases — each one unique. Despite this, the brand has remained something of a hidden gem, known deeply by a small sect of enthusiasts but still flying under the radar of many whiskey drinkers nationwide.
Now, in fall 2025, Copper & Cask and Corrigan have unveiled two new Indiana-distilled bourbons, both aged a minimum of 8 years: Small Batch Series #13 Cigar Blend Bourbon and Small Batch Series #14 Double Oak Bourbon.
Copper & Cask has quietly earned the respect of a loyal following. But could these two new additions be the ones that finally capture the attention of a broader audience? Let’s pour a glass and find out.
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series #13 Cigar Blend Bourbon Review
The Cigar Blend is built from 41 barrels of MGP bourbon, mingling both of the distillery’s well-known mashbills. Thirty-four barrels feature the 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley recipe, while seven come from the 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley mashbill. Before secondary maturation, the bourbon rested for an average of eight years and two months.
Blended into micro-batches ranging from 112.5 to 120 proof, the whiskey was then entered into a mix of PX and Oloroso sherry, Armagnac, Cognac, and tawny Port casks — each filled at different entry proofs, with the Cognac casks being the lowest. Finishing times spanned six to ten months, with Oloroso around six and Armagnac closer to ten. In total, 26 finishing casks were employed, yielding whiskey that spent between 8.5 to 8.75 years in wood before bottling at 118.2 proof.
The nose opens with tangy dried hibiscus and tamarind paste before shifting toward pink peppercorn and sweet blackberry. The aroma feels potent and fruit-forward, clearly marked by its range of finishing casks. On the palate, flavors of ripe red watermelon and juicy blackberries appear first, giving way to prunes and dried apricots. The mouthfeel is dense and almost chewy — if tasted blind, it would quickly reveal its secondary maturation.
As the sip fades, notes of Cocoa Krispies appear, followed by a flash of orange sports drink and a finish that leaves behind Butterfinger candy and a light touch of oat milk. The final impression is rich in character but heavily guided by the influence of finishing barrels.
For bourbon traditionalists who prefer an oak-driven or grain-forward profile, this release may feel over the top. But for drinkers who seek whiskey with strong finishing character — particularly those drawn to fruity or dessert-like cask influences — this is a quality showcase. Personally, I lean toward finishes that register as moderate, and this expression lands firmly on the heavier side. Still, within that realm, Copper & Cask has delivered a finely constructed and expressive example of what heavily finished bourbon can achieve. 118.2 proof. B / $80
Copper & Cask Small Batch Series #14 Double Oak Bourbon Review
Double Oak draws from a blend of 19 barrels, utilizing both of MGP’s hallmark bourbon mashbills: four barrels of the 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley recipe, and fifteen barrels of the 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley mashbill. Each matured for at least eight years before being blended at 118 proof before secondary maturation.
Following initial aging, the bourbon was transferred into American oak Small Batch Wave Stave barrels from Independent Stave Co. for an additional ten months. These barrels feature staves air-dried for no less than twelve months, with a Medium Plus toast and #1 char. The Wave Stave design — defined by its shallow, lengthwise ridges — increases surface interaction, encouraging a deeper exchange between spirit and oak.
On the nose, smoky blackstrap molasses and dark chocolate set the foundation, quickly joined by toffee and toasted coconut. As the aromas come together, they form an experience strikingly similar to German chocolate cake.
The palate begins with sugar cream pie and root beer, then moves toward flavors of cold brew coffee and concentrated raisin paste. The mouthfeel carries a medium-thick weight that complements the oak-driven notes, allowing tannins to express themselves with clarity but without harshness.
The finish introduces roasted butternut squash glazed with dark brown sugar and brown butter before fading into cherrywood chips from a smoldering BBQ smoker. It’s a measured, flavorful conclusion that highlights the bourbon’s time in the toasted barrel without overwhelming the base spirit.
Double Oak showcases what can happen when finishing is handled with precision rather than force. The Small Batch Wave Stave barrels contribute both depth and sweetness, achieving a harmony that should appeal to traditional bourbon drinkers and finishing enthusiasts alike. It’s an excellent example of a toasted bourbon that finds character without excess — satisfying and absolutely worth seeking out. 120.2 proof. A- / $75
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