Clydebuilt Coppersmith is the inaugural release from Ardgowan Distillery's Clydebuilt collection — a series of limited-edition blended whiskies released while the Inverkip distillery's own spirit matures. Masterfully assembled by Max McFarlane, Coppersmith combines malt whisky from four Speyside and Highland distilleries, wholly matured in first-fill oloroso sherry casks.
The oloroso influence defines the character. First-fill sherry casks provide a generous richness — sultanas, dark chocolate, butterscotch — that the component malts absorb effectively. The result is a sherried blend of genuine warmth and approachability. At 48%, it has more body than most blends at this price, and the sherry cask quality suggests careful procurement.
Ardgowan's Clydebuilt series serves a dual purpose: providing revenue while the distillery's own spirit ages, and establishing the brand's identity through blending expertise. On the evidence of Coppersmith, the expertise is genuine. The balance between sherry richness and malt character is well-judged, and the finish — long, fruity, with a gentle tobacco quality — suggests ambition beyond the placeholder role these releases serve. A promising start from a distillery still writing its first chapters.
