Our innovative and independent spirit gave us the confidence to install a distillery. When we opened the Copper House Distillery in 2010 and that spirit started flowing, we bottled it, or re-distilled it into gin. Slowly we began laying it down in casks and three years later we tasted our first ever whisky. When we started, we knew we were in it for the long haul and now we are reaping the rewards.

Our Head Distiller, John McCarthy has the responsibility of monitoring our maturing sprits, keeping a watchful eye on them as their ageing progresses. Inspecting, nosing, and tasting each cask is a necessary and enviable task, that we are finally able to experience for ourselves.

John has carefully considered a selection of different spirits of various ages, maturing in a variety of casks, with the aim of finding something extra special to share with us. A single malt, first fill Oloroso sherry cask whisky stood out to him as having exceptional character. It was selected to be the first release in our aptly named Distiller’s Choice range, which will showcase some unique and exciting expressions distilled in Southwold.

New make spirit, with a mash bill of 100% malted barley was put in a first fill Oloroso sherry cask and has matured exclusively in that cask for over six years. Filled on 25th February 2015 and emptied on 2nd September 2021, Sherry cask S001 yielded a spirit of 63.9% and just 303 bottles, which have all been individually numbered by hand.

On the nose you will find sherry-like flavours of sultanas and fruit peels, alongside an almond nuttiness, baking spices and fresh herbal notes. The palate is rich and sweet with a full body and flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted nuts, and hints of vanilla. Candied fruit and warm spices linger on the finish.

Bottled at a cask strength of 63.9%, this whisky will need to be diluted to taste. John recommends a splash of chilled spring water.

“This spirit tasted absolutely amazing and inspired the most comprehensive tasting notes I have ever written, said John.

“While some may add this whisky to their collection, we think is should be savoured with friends and are eager to hear what people think. We are anticipating exciting things from the range, as we reveal more of the treasures in our cellar.“

John’s detailed tasting notes:

Aroma: Sherry, sultana, almond, fruit peels, baking spices and gentle herbal notes (fennel tops)

Taste: Sweetness and full body, cinnamon, nutmeg, some vanilla, and nuts

Finish: Sweet dried fruit and lingering spices

This fabulous first fill sherry cask whisky is available in a limited edition run of 70cl bottles, get yours here.