I’ve been championing Cooper King for quite some time now, ever since Mike returned from their humble distillery up in North Yorkshire. Their last two releases have been nothing short of exceptional, consistently delivering quality and flavour that hit the mark. In my review of their Transatlantic expression, I found myself wondering what a cask strength version of their spirit would be like. Well, it seems they’ve read my mind! Not only have they answered the call, but they’ve gone above and beyond, releasing not just one, but two cask strength single casks. Hallelujah!

Appeasing the cask strength crusade is no small task. For those less familiar with the intricacies of whisky making, it might seem like achieving cask strength is as simple as reducing the amount of water added to the spirit to reach a ‘desired’ ABV. But it’s far more complex than that. First and foremost, the balance of a whisky needs to be spot on. Many whiskies fall short in this regard, leading to an overpowering burn that overshadows the intricate array of flavours. Achieving the right balance is essential to ensuring that the intensity of the alcohol complements, rather than overwhelms, the overall flavour profile.

Secondly, the right type of whisky has to be chosen for cask strength qualities, therefore the role of maturation and cask selection is key. The type of cask used, the length of maturation, and even the climate in which the whisky is aged all significantly impact the final product when at cask strength level. A well-chosen cask can enhance and deepen the whisky’s flavours, adding layers of complexity that are crucial in a cask strength expression. Poor cask management, on the other hand, can result in a whisky that’s either too aggressive or lacking in character. This is why experienced distillers pay meticulous attention to the cask aging process, ensuring that the whisky is fully developed and harmonised before it ever reaches the bottle.

I’m genuinely pleased that Cooper King has chosen to embark on this challenging yet rewarding path. It’s one thing to consistently release high-quality non-cask strength editions, but the true value lies in pushing boundaries and daring to venture into new territories. This willingness to innovate is evident not just in their decision to produce cask-strength whiskies but also in their choice of finishing casks. Cognac and Armagnac casks play a pivotal role in the maturation of these whiskies—an unconventional choice that presents its own set of challenges.

For instance, French oak, often used in these casks, tends to impart more tannins, resulting in a spicier and more complex flavour profile. Balancing these tannic influences with the whisky’s natural characteristics can be quite challenging. There’s always the risk of the whisky becoming overly tannic or woody if left too long in these casks, making cask management absolutely crucial.

Cooper King Double Matured New Oak into Armagnac

ABV: 52.1%

Price: £115 (now sold out!)

Nose: Lots of oaky notes, but they come through subtly. There’s lots of beautiful sweetness too, which comes across as notes of light caramel and sweet honey. The depth just from the nose is superb, as some roast chicken crisps and BBQ ribs comes through too. Almost autumnal-like with stewed plums, spiced apple and spicy orange marmalade, making it incredibly complex.

Palate: First thoughts are what a lovely texture and balance. There’s orange peel oil and the faintest note of spearmint too to begin with. There’s some honey, vanilla and your typically creamy texture notes imparted by the oak come through and give it some wholesomeness qualities. The spice and herb notes are equally as impressive with cracked black pepper and clove giving it some real oomph.

Finish: A lovely subtle pepperiness that permeates throughout along with toasted malt loaf.

Score: 8.5/10

Cooper King cognac cask

ABV: 53.2%

Price: £115 (now sold out!)

Nose: A wonderfully layered nose with notes of different lemon. Candied initially then it’s lemon drizzle cake all over. The sweetness comes through with boiled sweets and orange liqueur, its delicious already. Equally complex as before with some fresh laundry adding uniqueness.

Palate: Initially there’s a spicy orange and cinnamon concoction. Fruity notes too, sweet blackberries, almost like liquid skittles which oozes throughout. Such complexity again, lots of depth with peppermint creams, candied ginger and Madagascan spiced vanilla giving it a real quality

Finish: The heat that generates is a lovely touch, the ABV complements it. There’s a little peppermint with some honey which gives it a satisifying but also memorable finish.

Score: 7.5/10

Summary

I’ve gone out on a limb on this blog before, and I’m more than willing to do it again for the Armagnac-finished whiskey. It’s a stunning example of achieving excellence through maturation in French oak. The balance is nothing short of superb. What truly sets it apart is the distinct clarity of its notes—each element shines with subtlety, none overpowering the others. This creates a layered and unique dram that captivates with its complexity and finesse. While I also greatly appreciate the Cognac cask, which is equally impressive, the Armagnac finish particularly resonated with me. Sometimes, you just know when something exceptional truly stands out.

Cooper King’s ability to navigate these complexities speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and innovation. It’s this kind of risk-taking that truly sets them apart in the whisky world. This dedication is increasingly evident in English whisky as a whole, which is likely why it’s gaining more recognition and awareness. But what makes Cooper King even more remarkable is not just their prowess in crafting exceptional whisky, but also their strong commitment to their values and ethics.

A prime example of this is their ongoing initiative to donate £5 from every bottle sold to their charity partner, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. This contribution helps fund life-changing apprenticeships for young people in rural areas and supports the protection of vital UK habitats. It’s clear that Cooper King is not only committed to producing outstanding whisky but also to making a positive impact on the world around them.

In my last Cooper King review, I ended with a wish for what might come next, and they delivered. So, I’m going to give it another shot. While it’s challenging to predict new whiskey releases, this time, I’m focusing on consistency. Whether it’s cask strength or not, what I’m really hoping for is a whiskey that continues to resonate with Cooper King’s mantra: Sustainable spirits distilled with craftsmanship, honesty, and adventure.