143.3 Bull And Bear

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 143.3, Bull And Bear, is a single cask American single malt whiskey from Copperworks Distilling Co. in Seattle, Washington (SMWS code 143), made with Great Western pale malt. Distilled on 16 January 2018, it matured for 3 years in a first-fill barrel with a #2 char and was bottled at a cask strength of 58.7% ABV, with 230 bottles; it was the distillery's first appearance for SMWS Canada. Listed under Spicy & sweet, it opens with calm, herbal aromas of thyme, tarragon, lavender and mint, and a nutty, creamy palate. Water brings eucalyptus and honeysuckle, then spiced walnut cake and vermouth-led cocktail notes. Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration.

Nose: Thyme, tarragon, moss, lavender, angelica and fern undergrowth with wild mint; water brings eucalyptus, honeysuckle, tea tree, balsamic, red vermouth and bramble liqueur

Palate: 'Sweet as a nut', like a cream-filled pastry; water adds spiced walnut cake with pomegranate frosting and a Blood and Sand cocktail

Serve: Neat, then with a few drops of water to open up the aromas; at full cask strength it rewards patience.