As I sit down to review the Pioneer whiskey from Cooper King Distillery, it feels only right to reflect on the spirit of pioneers themselves, those bold souls who venture into the unknown, carving new paths with vision, courage, and determination. Whether exploring uncharted landscapes, pushing boundaries in science, or, in this case, redefining the craft of English whisky-making, pioneers share a restless curiosity and a relentless drive to create something remarkable.

Cooper King Distillery, named after Charles Cooper King, an explorer, mapmaker, and adventurer, embodies the very spirit of pioneering that defined its namesake. Built from scratch with a vision to create distinctive spirits rooted in craftsmanship and sustainability, the distillery stands as a testament to blending innovation with tradition. Much like Charles Cooper King charted unknown territories, the distillery pushes boundaries in English whisky-making, crafting expressions that are both exciting and deeply connected to their origins. Now, with the Pioneers in hand, it’s time to see how this particular whisky channels that same adventurous spirit into every sip.

There’s always something exciting about a new whisky release, even if it first landed back in the colder months. This one arrived in the depths of winter, but with the pace of the year, I’m only now getting the chance to sit down and give it the attention it deserves. That said, good whisky knows no season, and this release from Cooper King is a perfect reminder of that. Regular readers of The Water of Life will know I’ve long championed their work, and for good reason. Nearly every release has sold out swiftly, they support meaningful charitable projects, and, perhaps best of all, they’re genuinely lovely people. Oh, and yes, the whisky is fantastic too.

This release marks the second instalment in Cooper King’s Expedition Series, a journey of discovery through what is described as the finest casks maturing in their warehouse. This particular release brings together a fascinating cask composition, 42% ex-red wine New Era of Cask (NEOC) finished in ex-bourbon, 34% ex-rye whiskey, 15% ex-bourbon, and 9% refill sherry. The wood influence is finely balanced too, with 51% European oak and 49% American oak contributing to the spirit’s character. It’s certainly a bold and intriguing cask profile. The Pioneer pays tribute to those who forge new paths, embracing the unknown with curiosity and courage; a spirit that’s clearly alive in every drop of this whisky.

One thing that stands out with Cooper King, and something I can’t praise enough is the level of transparency they offer around their whiskies. It’s incredibly refreshing to see this level of openness, and it’s something we’re starting to see more of across the industry, thanks to trailblazers like Killowen and Two Stacks, who are equally committed to sharing the full story behind their spirits. A quick visit to Cooper King’s spirits-specific page for this release offers whisky lovers all the nerdy, granular details they could possibly want: from cask breakdowns to maturation specifics. This level of honesty and openness is exactly what we need more of across the whisky world. And in a fitting nod to the Pioneers themselves, Cooper King continues to chart new ground, showing that transparency and craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand as they forge their own bold path forward.

Cooper King Pioneer

ABV: 50%

Price: £85 and still available from their on-line shop.

Nose: Initially quite restrained, but given a little time in the glass, it begins to open up beautifully. Maraschino cherries emerge first, followed by a smooth layer of vanilla and a touch of honeyed sweetness. There’s a bright, fresh quality throughout, with zesty citrus notes and a delicate hint of florality that adds elegance and lift.

Palate: The palate is a delight; think cola cubes and flat cola, bringing a nostalgic sweetness that’s quickly followed by a gentle, comforting warmth. There’s a generous helping of boiled sweets in the mix, adding some sweety brightness. Beneath it all lies a rich, malty depth reminiscent of liquid malt loaf, underpinned by pronounced, satisfying woodiness.

Finish: A burst of Hot Lips sweets leads the way, bringing a gentle heat and fruity spice, balanced by rich, golden honey. Just beneath the surface, a subtle whisper of liquorice adds depth.

Summary

Pioneers is a fine dram. While it may not quite reach the lofty heights set by some of the more recent cask strength releases, it’s still a thoroughly enjoyable drop. Don’t get me wrong, it’s well worth your time.

One thing I’ve come to really appreciate (and now always look out for) in Cooper King’s releases is their distinctive new make DNA. That subtle but unmistakable undercurrent of sweetness, paired with a malty, biscuity richness, is something quite special. In this release, it feels like the casks may have slightly subdued those hallmark notes. But even so, Pioneers holds its own as a delicious whisky.

Score: 6/10