Copper Tongue in the ongoing Orphan Barrel project, which Diageo launched in 2013. The company’s initial press release stated it was “A new project determined to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world.”

Copper Tongue is a blend of two separate 16-year-old lots of bourbon distilled and aged at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (the home of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey). The whiskey was discovered by Cascade Hollow’s General Manager and Head Distiller Nicole Austin. Copper Tongue is released at cask strength, which means the bourbon lowered in proof during its time aging in the barrels.

NOSE

Light smoke combines with cornbread and barrel char to form a delicate base of scents on initial inhale. A stronger pull reveals a green apple, a touch of cinnamon, and leather. The overall aroma is quite subtle, with an emphasis on smoke and leather. It’s pleasant but not otherwise notable.

Aged oak and baking spice are dominant and immediate. Rolling the whiskey around in the mouth allows a light fruity note to come through, which is accented by persistent baking spice. It has a strangely thin yet at the same time creamy, seemingly impossible combination and not a common one either. The thinness is most notable as the flavors seem to try their hardest to make an impression, yet the bourbon manages to coat the mouth with notable texture throughout. The overall combination leaves a bit to be desired, as it just doesn’t have the amount of impact the bourbon’s backstory suggests it could.

finish

Baking spices persist into the finish, with dry leather and light smoke from the nose returning. A trace of tobacco also comes into play, mixing with wet oak and a touch of barrel char. Medium in length, the finish maintains - neither adding nor detracting from the overall experience.

uniqueness

Like many current releases, Copper Tongue originates from Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., the home of George Dickel. While Copper Tongue does offer a twist on the quintessential George Dickel flavour profile, it shares obvious roots. Moreover, it does little to excitedly showcase its 16 years of ageing, and despite being barrel-proof, still tastes watered down - a trait it shares with some of the past Orphan Barrel releases (which were actually watered down).

What it does offer is certainly adequate for a sipping whiskey, especially if the sipper prefers a manageable proof. However, it lacks enough character to make a noteworthy impression, which will be especially apparent to anyone who has tried a lot of Cascade Hollow sourced whiskeys as of late. Despite this, its 16-year age and surprisingly low barrel proof are more unique traits, even if they only result in a slightly unique flavor profile.

Orphan Barrel Copper Tongue 16 Year Bourbon Whiskey -750 ml