Sequels, whether movies, television’s awkward second season, or indeed whiskies, always make me apprehensive; it seems like venturing down a risky road. Nonetheless, there’s a reassuring aspect to them: the apprehensiveness is often built upon the triumph of the original. And when it comes to whiskey, few successes rival Cooper King’s debut first edition. Unveiled last October, it established a benchmark of English whiskey. Now, as its sequel approaches, anticipation mounts—it’s a moment eagerly awaited.

Every so often, you encounter distilleries like Cooper King that truly inspire admiration. Thankfully, Mike started that journey for us at the Water of Life last year. Amidst the vast expanse of its mass-producing counterparts, these gems maintain a romantic devotion to whisky-making. Every detail is carefully considered, and, crucially, they prioritise giving back. As the wise adage goes, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant,” and to me, nothing encapsulates this sentiment more aptly. Just last week, fuelled by everyone’s appreciation for their single malt, they were able to present a generous donation of £5,266 to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), with the aim to raise £12,000 more by the end of the year.

Since the debut of their inaugural whiskey, Cooper King has intensified their dedication to environmental conservation by backing a third initiative within the YDMT: the Rural Apprenticeships Scheme. By financing rural apprenticeships, they empower young people to engage in significant countryside management and community environmental endeavours. This not only equips them with essential skills but also instils confidence in them to become stewards of the natural world. Through these efforts, Cooper King aims to bolster the economic and social vitality of rural communities and foster the expansion of the green economy, with a vision extending far beyond 2050.

The Transatlantic Edition, as they’ve named it, holds a unique appeal. This whisky embarks on a journey, traversing “from the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux to the bourbon-soaked plains of Kentucky,” aiming to harmonise the charismatic qualities of both regions. It marks the second installment in the Expedition Series of whiskies—a quest for exploration through their “finest casks in the warehouse.” It’ll be fascinating to gauge the reception of this whisky, often indicated by its rate of sale. The First Edition’s sell-out of 500+ bottles in under ten minutes was quite a feat, likely setting a record for an English whiskey. However, what’s particularly intriguing is the Second Edition’s larger yield of over 1200 bottles. This presents an opportunity to gauge the level of interest, perception, and fanbase growth surrounding Cooper King’s offerings.

So, what’s the deal with this whisky? Well, it ticks all the boxes for purists: natural color and no chill filtration. As for its cask profile, it’s a blend comprising 67% ex-red wine NEOC, 14% ex-red wine, 12% refill bourbon, and 7% ex-malt whiskey. The wood profile leans heavily towards French oak at 81%, with the remaining 19% being American oak, and the cask sizes range from 90 to 110 litres. If transparency is your thing, you’ll appreciate that they leave no stone unturned—head over to their spirits-specific page for a comprehensive rundown of every detail.

Let’s get down to assessing this Cooper King sequel, shall we?

Cooper King Transatlantic Edition

ABV: 48%

Price: £85

Nose: A delightful blend of sweet and spicy autumnal flavours. You’ll notice a hint of vanilla sweetness alongside a spicy kick, reminiscent of gingerbread and cinnamon sugar. Then, there’s the comforting presence of stewed pears and caramel apples, evoking the essence of autumn in every sip. The sweetness remains consistent throughout, with notes of strawberry bonbons and cocoa nibs taking centre stage.

Palate: The cinnamon endures, now accompanied by vibrant zesty notes of orange oil and lime zest. As hinted by the cocoa nibs adorning the bottle, their presence is instantly recognisable, adding a delightful touch. Moreover, there are intriguing undertones of beautiful old leather, lending a sense of sophistication and a hint of stale smoke that adds depth to the overall profile.

Finish: As the cinnamon mellows slightly, it evolves into peppery undertones, complemented by hints of freshly baked banana bread. This combination gradually gives way to a crescendo of flavour, as subtle notes of chilli flakes emerge, culminating in a warm, heat-infused finale.

Conclusion

What a cracking sequel this is! It exudes sophistication and depth, defying expectations for a 48% ABV whisky. The blending of two distinct cask types has resulted in a dram of real complexity and character. The spice remains a constant presence, seamlessly interwoven with the sweetness, never overpowering but perfectly balanced. The bourbon cask finish lends a touch of softness, smoothing out any sharp edges and adding layers of refinement. The inclusion of cocoa nibs, a personal favourite, alongside zesty notes and subtle smokiness, is a stroke of genius and one that I am really enjoying. That texture as well is wonderful, almost velvet-like.

This release is yet another triumph for Cooper King. While I may not have rated it as highly as the ‘First Edition’, I would gladly purchase another bottle (some do remain!), as it exemplifies the essence of what this distillery stands for. Their passion for travel, whisky-making, and blending shines through in this exceptional whisky. For me, when a distillery bursts onto the whiskey scene, consistency is key. It’s not always about outdoing oneself with each release; it’s about maintaining a high standard. And Cooper King has certainly achieved that with this second offering. Two whiskies into their journey, and it’s difficult to find any fault. Their dedication to excellence is truly commendable.

What lies ahead for Cooper King? Personally, I’m eager for more from them, and I’m on the hunt for a taste of Cask No. 1, a unique offering reserved for fortunate members of their ‘founders club’. If anyone happens to have a spare dram, please do share! Additionally, I’m intrigued to see what they can create with a cask-strength release. I understand it’s a more challenging endeavour, but if anyone can execute it with precision and integrity, it’s Cooper King. Their commitment to craftsmanship and quality leaves me optimistic for whatever they have in store next.

Score: 8/10