Copperworks Distilling operates from a beautifully converted industrial space on the Seattle waterfront, producing American single malt whiskey from craft beer-style washes. Founded by Jason Parker and Micah Nutt — both veterans of the Pacific Northwest craft brewing scene — the distillery applies brewer's knowledge of malt, yeast and fermentation to whiskey production. The result is a single malt that wears its brewing heritage proudly.
The use of pale ale malt and carefully selected yeast strains gives the whiskey a distinctive cereal richness and fruit character that more neutral grain bases cannot provide. The copper pot still distillation retains the flavour complexity of the beer-style wash, and maturation in new and used American oak adds vanilla and gentle spice. At 50%, the whiskey has enough strength to carry its considerable malt character.
Copperworks is one of the most interesting producers in the emerging American single malt category. The craft brewing connection is not a gimmick but a genuine advantage — the understanding of malt, fermentation and flavour that the brewing industry provides gives Copperworks a foundation that many whiskey-focused distilleries lack. For drinkers interested in the intersection of craft beer and craft whiskey, Copperworks offers the most compelling evidence that the two traditions can productively inform each other.
