Coppercraft Distillery Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 97-proof (48.5% ABV) Michigan-blended straight bourbon that merges aged sourced whiskeys using cognac-inspired techniques. Named 2018 Spirit of the Year at the USA Spirits Ratings, this expression earned simultaneous recognition for both quality and packaging — a rare triple honor that put Coppercraft on the national bourbon map.Quick Facts: ABV: 48.5% (97 Proof) | Origin: Holland, Michigan | Blend of 4+ and 11+ Year Old Bourbons | Distillery: Coppercraft DistilleryProduction & HeritageCoppercraft Distillery operates out of Holland, Michigan, where it has built a reputation for applying brandy-making philosophy to American whiskey. The Straight Bourbon is a blend of 4+ year old and 11+ year old sourced bourbons — likely of MGP origin — married together using brandy blending and proofing techniques developed by Master Blender Nancy Fraley, who also serves as director of research at the American Distilling Institute. The process takes a full three months from barrel selection to bottling, allowing the disparate age stocks to integrate gradually rather than being dumped and proofed in a single step. This cognac-inspired methodology distinguishes Coppercraft from most American whiskey producers and contributes to a notably smooth, layered drinking experience at a robust 97 proof.Tasting NotesAroma: Rich caramel and vanilla dominate the opening, followed by waves of cocoa, roasted apples, and baking spice. Beneath the sweetness, oak, maple syrup, and a delicate touch of menthol add complexity, with faint white pepper emerging as the bourbon opens up.Taste: The entry is smooth and slightly sweet, with caramel and corn giving way to a mid-palate surge of vanilla, dark confectionery notes, and toasted oak. Pear and orange accent the sweeter tones, while grain character and measured spice provide structure. Despite 97 proof, the three-month integration process keeps the heat well-managed and the mouthfeel rounded.Finish: Long and warming, with lingering caramel, oak tannin, and a subtle cocoa bitterness that keeps the palate engaged. The complexity of the older stocks reveals itself here, as spice and dried fruit linger well after each sip.How to Drink Coppercraft BourbonNeat or with a few drops of water is the best way to appreciate the layered blending work — water opens up the fruit and cocoa notes hidden at full proof. On the rocks, the bourbon holds its structure well thanks to the higher proof. In cocktails, an Old Fashioned benefits from the caramel-forward sweetness and oak backbone; a Boulevardier plays off the cocoa and dark fruit undertones against Campari's bitterness; and a Maple Whiskey Sour amplifies the natural maple syrup aromatics already present in the spirit.Best For Bourbon drinkers exploring Michigan's craft distilling scene Gifting to someone who appreciates blending artistry over single-barrel hype After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Side-by-side tastings comparing sourced blends against single-origin bourbons Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Coppercraft Bourbon taste like? Coppercraft Straight Bourbon leads with caramel, vanilla, and cocoa, supported by roasted apple, oak, and baking spice. The finish is long and warming with lingering sweetness and subtle dark fruit complexity.How does Coppercraft Bourbon compare to Redemption Bourbon? Both draw from sourced bourbon stocks, but Coppercraft distinguishes itself through a cognac-inspired blending and proofing process that takes three months, resulting in a more integrated, layered profile. Redemption tends toward a spicier, rye-forward character, while Coppercraft leans into caramel sweetness and a smoother mouthfeel at a similar proof point.Is Coppercraft Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — despite bottling at 97 proof, the extended three-month integration process yields a remarkably smooth pour that rewards neat sipping. A few drops of water further open the cocoa and fruit notes.Where is Coppercraft Bourbon made? Coppercraft Distillery is located in Holland, Michigan, on the western shore of the state. The bourbon is blended and proofed at the distillery using sourced stocks of 4+ and 11+ year old straight bourbons.What foods pair well with Coppercraft Bourbon? Smoked brisket highlights the oak and spice; dark chocolate truffles mirror the cocoa aromatics; pecan pie echoes the caramel and vanilla sweetness; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the bourbon's richness; and apple tart connects with the roasted apple notes on the nose.What sizes does Coppercraft Bourbon come in? The standard offering is a 750ML bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Coppercraft Bourbon worth the price? Coppercraft Straight Bourbon positions as a mid-premium expression, and the inclusion of 11+ year old stocks in the blend provides age-driven complexity that punches above many bourbons in the same price tier. Its 2018 Spirit of the Year award at the USA Spirits Ratings further validates its quality-to-value proposition.Why Coppercraft Bourbon?What separates this bourbon from the crowded field of sourced whiskeys is the deliberate application of brandy blending methodology — a technique rarely seen in American whiskey production. Under the guidance of Master Blender Nancy Fraley, the marriage of younger and older bourbon stocks unfolds over three months, producing a cohesion that typical batch blending cannot replicate. The 2018 USA Spirits Ratings honored the result with Spirit of the Year alongside awards for both quality and packaging, confirming that Coppercraft's approach translates into a genuinely distinctive drinking experience. For anyone who believes blending is an art rather than a shortcut, this bourbon makes a compelling case at 97 proof.
