The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Douglas Fraser
Grade: B-
Kopper Kettle Apple Whiskey
(Credit: Belmont Farms)
The Belmont Farm Distillery was founded in 1988 by a Virginia family with a history in the moonshine business, and they make the claim of being the first craft distillery in the United States. They run a pot still, and all grains used are harvested on the Belmont Farm. As a small distiller in The Old Dominion, their wares are mostly found at the VA ABC stores with a few other retailers in the region.
I first tried the Apple Whiskey at a local whiskey festival. My first thought was it tasted more like a liqueur. After speaking with the brand ambassador, he informed me it is produced in keeping with Federal regulations for a whiskey. After further discussion, I decided to buy a bottle and planned to use it in a nice apple crisp.
The Whiskey
Belmont Farm Kopper Kettle Apple Whiskey is a blend of Virginia aged whiskey, corn whiskey and 100% apple juice. This isn’t dissimilar to the basis for Clyde May’s Alabama Whiskey. This is rested for two months in new oak and applewood chips before receiving a further four years of barrel aging, and then bottled at 80 proof. Although delightfully smooth, the whiskey is very sweet, almost too sweet, and is better enjoyed in small amounts. Belmont Farm Kopper Kettle Apple Whiskey is a good choice for a dessert dram and will surely put you in the fall season mood.
Color: Red Copper
Nose: Apple, oak, cinnamon spice, fruit juice.
Palate: Apple juice, oily, cinnamon spice, apple sweetness.
Finish: Medium length, apple crisp, apple juice.
The Price
Belmont Farm Kopper Kettle Apple Whiskey can be found for around $25.
