History

Coppercraft Distillery was founded in 2012 in Holland, Michigan as a tribute to the American Craftsman. The distillery builds on Michigan's heritage of quality and craftsmanship, where they distill, source and blend ingredients to create premium spirits. They describe themselves as small-batch and focus on patience and precision throughout the process. Coppercraft is located in Western Michigan and is inspired by industrial workers and their heritage of quality, which is the brand's centerpiece.

Historical Highlights and Recognitions

• They have been official partners of the Detroit Lions and released, among other things, a limited Honolulu Blue version in celebration of #OnePride.
• In 2018 Coppercraft was named Michigan Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition.
• In 2019 they were named Best Michigan Whiskey by Detroit Metro Times.

Production/Manufacturing

Philosophy and Approach

PATience & PRECISION are the core principles. They distill, source and blend the finest ingredients from across the nation and explore various distillation methods and aging environments to produce premium spirits.

Techniques and Processes

• They apply cognac techniques to bind together different distillation methods, Barrels and aging environments to bring forth specific flavors and tones.
• Part of the spirits is distilled onsite, and they blend and age thereafter to highlight complex notes.
• The products are aged in various oak barrels, and they note common features such as the oak's character and time being decisive for flavor.
• For the Straight Bourbon series, 4+ year-old bourbon-based barrels are used to create a rich and smooth profile, and it is mentioned that the process from barrel to bottle takes about three months using brandy-blending and proofing techniques.
• The series also includes longer-aged variants and blends, where a 9+ year-old bourbon stock is blended with 4+ year Coppercraft-distilled bourbon to achieve a more punchy and spicy character.

Production of Specific Whiskies

• Wide range of Straight Bourbon Whisky (4+ years) – 90.6 proof (90–91 proof range) and around 750 ml bottles.
• Straight Bourbon Whisky – 9 Year – a blend of 4+ year Coppercraft-distilled bourbon and 9+ year Indian bourbon, created for a bold and spicy profile.
• Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies – 50% ABV (100 proof) – a blend of 4+ year Coppercraft-distilled and 9+ year Indian bourbon, three months aging from barrel to bottle.
• Rye Whisky – 45% ABV – a blend of 6+ year-old distillate and source rye. Described as smooth and moderately spicy with notes of cocoa and malt followed by peppercorn spice.
• Vodka – 40% ABV – 100% premium grain, clean and neutral flavor profile with a touch of sweetness.
• Single Barrel Straight Bourbon – variable ABV – at least 11 years old in 53-gallon barrels; citrus notes complemented by dark chocolate, molasses and vanilla with a toasty finish.
• Bourbon Finished in Toasted Barrels – 47% ABV – aged 7 years in new American oak, finished in slowly toasted barrels for deeper caramel and warm spices.
• Bourbon Finished in Rum Casks – 47% ABV – 7 years in new oak, finished in Caribbean rum casks for deeper sweetness and tropical notes.

Products/Whisky Series

• Straight Bourbon Whisky – 48.5% ABV (90.6 proof) – 750 ml. Blended from 4+ year old bourbon-based barrels for a rich and smooth profile; three months from barrel to bottle using brandy techniques.
• Straight Bourbon Whisky – 9 Year – 45.3% ABV (90.6 proof) – a punchy, spicy whisky consisting of 4+ year Coppercraft-distilled bourbon and 9+ year Indian bourbon.
• Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies – 50% ABV (100 proof) – blend of 4+ year Coppercraft-distilled and 9+ year Indian bourbon; three months aging from barrel to bottle.
• Rye Whisky – 45% ABV – blend of 6+ year-old distillate and source rye; notes of cocoa and malt followed by peppercorn spice.
• Vodka – 40% ABV – 100% premium grain; clean and neutral with a hint of sweetness.
• Single Barrel Straight Bourbon – variable ABV – at least 11 years old in 53-gallon barrels; citrus notes complement deep chocolate, molasses and vanilla with a toasty finish.
• Bourbon Finished in Toasted Barrels – 47% ABV – 7 years in new oak, finished in toasted barrels for 12 months; notes of caramel, toasted marshmallow and warm spice.
• Bourbon Finished in Rum Casks – 47% ABV – 7 years in new oak, finished in Caribbean rum casks for 12 months; notes of dark sugar, warm oak and tropical fruits.

Tours/Experiences

• Tours: 30–45 minute guided tour in Holland, MI. Price $15 per person. Reservations and ID required. Book via their booking calendar or contact them for private tours. Address: 184 120th Ave., Holland, MI 49424. Contact: info@coppercraftdistillery.com.

Philosophy

Coppercraft Distillery describes a philosophy based on Precision and Intention. Their mission is to produce quality craft Whiskies as a tribute to the American craftsman, and their spirits are produced through careful distillation, sourcing and blending of ingredients from across the country. They emphasize the use of cognac techniques to explore different distillation methods, casks and aging environments and highlight Water, Oak, Grain & Time as fundamental elements in their products. They focus on small-batch production and emphasize that each flavor is taken to the highest level through a combination of age, cask and blending. Their product portfolio and recognitions demonstrate an internationally recognized taste and craftsmanship.