There's a quiet revolution happening in American whiskey, and it has nothing to do with bourbon. The American single malt category — now formally recognised by the TTB — is producing some genuinely compelling spirits, and Copperworks Cask 332 is a bottle that deserves your attention. At 59.35% ABV and drawn from a single cask, this is whisky that doesn't ask permission. It announces itself.
Copperworks has built a reputation among those paying close attention to the American single malt movement. Cask 332 is a single cask release, which immediately tells you something important: this isn't blended for consistency. It's a snapshot of one barrel's character, uncut and unfiltered at cask strength. That 59.35% is not for the faint-hearted, but it signals confidence from the distiller — a willingness to let the spirit speak without dilution smoothing over any rough edges.
As an American single malt, this sits in a category I find increasingly rewarding. The best examples combine the cereal richness of malted barley with the influence of American oak and, often, a climate that accelerates maturation in ways Scottish distillers might envy. Without an age statement, Cask 332 asks you to judge it on what's in the glass rather than a number on the label — and at this proof, there's plenty to judge. The cask strength bottling means you control the experience: a few drops of water will open this up considerably, and I'd encourage you to explore it at different dilutions.
Tasting Notes
I won't fabricate specifics where I'd rather let you discover them yourself. What I will say is this: at nearly 60% ABV from a single cask, expect intensity. American single malts in this style tend to deliver robust malt character with the kind of oak influence that American cooperage is known for. The single cask nature means there's individuality here — this won't taste like anything else on your shelf, and that's rather the point.
The Verdict
At £89.95, Cask 332 sits at a price point that reflects what it is: a limited single cask release at cask strength. You're paying for exclusivity and intensity, and on both counts, it delivers. Is it essential? If you're serious about exploring American single malt as a category — and you should be — then yes, this is exactly the sort of bottling that rewards curiosity. It's muscular, individual, and unapologetically full-strength. I'm giving it a 7.8 out of 10. It's a very good whisky that earns its place on merit, and it represents a category that's only going to grow in stature.
Best Served
Pour it neat first — always — then add water gradually. At 59.35%, a small splash of still water at room temperature is not optional, it's essential to unlocking the full range of what this cask has to offer. Start with a few drops, wait thirty seconds, and nose again. You'll find it opens up remarkably. A Glencairn glass is your friend here. This is not a cocktail whisky; it's a contemplation pour, best enjoyed slowly on a quiet evening when you can give it the attention it demands.
