Coppercraft Distillery Rye 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) American rye whiskey blended from Michigan-distilled and Indiana-sourced barrels using traditional cognac techniques. It earned a Gold Medal at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition and another Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, underscoring its quality within the craft rye category.Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof) | Origin: Holland, Michigan, USA | 2+ Year Old Blend | Distillery: Coppercraft DistilleryProduction & HeritageCoppercraft Distillery was founded in 2012 in Holland, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan. The rye expression uses a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill, blending barrels distilled on-site in Michigan with sourced rye from Indiana, each aged a minimum of two years. What truly distinguishes this whiskey is the involvement of Master Blender Nancy Fraley, who applies ancient French cognac maturation, warehousing, and blending methods — including brandy-style proofing techniques that take a full three months from barrel to bottle. Coppercraft itself was named Michigan Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition in 2018.Tasting NotesAroma: Butterscotch and brown sugar greet the nose first, followed by bergamot and spearmint. Subtle notes of sandalwood and oak emerge as the whiskey opens up in the glass.Taste: The entry is sweet vanilla cream layered with marshmallow softness, quickly giving way to assertive peppercorn spice and a chewy rye grain quality at mid-palate. Warm mocha and bittersweet chocolate develop through the peak, balanced by clove and a touch of lemon brightness.Finish: Medium-long and smooth, with lingering coffee and cocoa notes grounded by leather and residual rye spice. A faint sweetness persists at the very end, keeping the finish from turning dry.How to Drink Coppercraft RyeNeat or with a single ice cube allows the cognac-influenced blending to express itself fully, letting the butterscotch-to-spice arc develop without dilution. That said, the 95% rye backbone and bold spice profile make it a strong cocktail base. A Manhattan benefits from the mocha and bittersweet chocolate depth. A Sazerac plays off the peppercorn and clove notes with absinthe's herbal bite. A Vieux Carré pairs the vanilla cream sweetness with sweet vermouth and Bénédictine for a rich, layered drink.Best For Rye whiskey drinkers exploring craft distillery alternatives to standard MGP-sourced releases Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates unusual production techniques Building a home bar with award-winning American rye for cocktail mixing Side-by-side tastings comparing Michigan craft rye against Kentucky and Indiana expressions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Coppercraft Rye taste like? Coppercraft Rye leads with butterscotch and vanilla cream sweetness before assertive peppercorn spice and bittersweet chocolate take over, finishing with lingering coffee and a hint of leather.How does Coppercraft Rye compare to Bulleit Rye? Both use a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill, but Coppercraft differentiates itself through cognac-style blending techniques overseen by Master Blender Nancy Fraley, producing a noticeably sweeter, more chocolatey profile. Bulleit Rye tends to present a drier, more straightforwardly spicy character at a similar 90-proof strength.Is Coppercraft Rye good for sipping neat? Yes — the three-month proofing process and cognac-influenced blending yield a smooth, layered whiskey at 45% ABV that drinks comfortably neat without excessive heat.Where is Coppercraft Rye made? Coppercraft Rye is produced by Coppercraft Distillery in Holland, Michigan, founded in 2012. The final blend combines barrels distilled on-site in Michigan with sourced rye barrels from Indiana.What foods pair well with Coppercraft Rye? Dark chocolate truffles complement the mocha and bittersweet cocoa notes. Smoked brisket stands up to the bold rye spice. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the butterscotch sweetness. Pecan pie mirrors the brown sugar and vanilla character. Charcuterie with peppered salami echoes the peppercorn finish.What sizes does Coppercraft Rye come in? Coppercraft Rye is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Coppercraft Rye worth the price? Coppercraft Rye positions as a mid-premium craft rye, priced above mass-market 95/5 rye offerings but justified by its unique cognac-method blending, two Gold Medal wins, and the involvement of a recognized master blender — factors that add genuine production complexity beyond the typical sourced rye release.Why Coppercraft Rye?The defining difference here is Nancy Fraley's cognac-method approach to blending and proofing, a technique virtually unheard of in American rye whiskey production. That three-month barrel-to-bottle process creates a textural richness and layered sweetness that sets it apart from other 95/5 rye mashbill whiskeys on the market. Gold Medals from both the New York International Spirits Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm the results are more than theoretical. For drinkers who know the 95/5 rye profile well and want a version shaped by genuinely different hands and methods, Coppercraft Rye delivers a distinctive take on a familiar grain bill.
