As a whiskey enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to try Cooper’s Craft Bourbon, a relatively new brand from Brown Forman, the company behind well-known names such as Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve. Cooper’s Craft was introduced to celebrate Brown Forman’s in-house barrel-makers, called Coopers, who skillfully transform oak wood into barrels that enhance the whiskey’s flavor over time.

In this review, I will share my personal experience and thoughts about Cooper’s Craft Bourbon, specifically discussing its taste profile, versatility, and value for its price. This bourbon comes in two different proofs, the 82.8 and the 100 proof, both of which I have sampled for a comprehensive understanding of the brand’s offerings. My goal is to provide readers with an unbiased perspective that may help them decide whether or not to give Cooper’s Craft a try.

To ensure a fair evaluation, I have compared Cooper’s Craft against other bourbons in the same price range and considered its usage in a variety of settings, including sipping it neat, in cocktails, and in mixed drinks. I will discuss the unique characteristics of this bourbon and how it stands out or blends in with the other Brown Forman whiskey offerings. So, let’s dive into the flavors and experiences offered by Cooper’s Craft Bourbon.

Coopers Craft Bourbon Overview

Product History

Coopers’ Craft Bourbon is a relatively young whiskey label under the Brown-Forman company, first introduced in 2016. Brown-Forman, an established spirits company that also produces the famous Jack Daniel’s, created Coopers’ Craft as a tribute to the skilled coopers who handcraft the barrels used to age all Brown-Forman whiskies. The bourbon is made in Kentucky, staying true to the tradition of crafting fine Kentucky bourbons.

This whiskey is unique in that it uses a slightly different mash bill compared to Old Forester, Brown-Forman’s other bourbon offering. Coopers’ Craft has a higher corn and slightly lower rye composition. Moreover, it undergoes a special beech and birch charcoal filter finishing process that distinguishes its flavor profile from other Kentucky bourbons.

Price Range

Coopers’ Craft bourbon is a reasonably priced whiskey that aims to offer quality and flavor without breaking the bank. The price range for a bottle typically falls between $20 and $30, making it a solid choice for those exploring the world of bourbon without wanting to spend too much. This affordability, combined with its unique taste, makes it an excellent addition to any whiskey shelf.

As a first-person singular writer, I know that Coopers’ Craft bourbon has an appealing aroma with notes of toffee, butterscotch, caramel, and honey, complemented by hints of oaky banana, dried fruit, vanilla, and barrel char. On the palate, this whiskey boasts a flavorful mix dominated by honey, corn caramel, cinnamon, and herbal spice. Altogether, the blend showcases the craftsmanship that goes into cooperation at Brown-Forman, resulting in a distinctive and enjoyable Kentucky bourbon.

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Tasting Notes

Aroma

On the nose, Coopers’ Craft Bourbon offers a pleasant and inviting aroma. I detected hints of vanilla, oak, and caramel which are typical in a bourbon. There was also a noticeable fruitiness, with banana and cherry coming to the forefront. Lighter notes of cinnamon, honey, toffee, and cocoa were present, as well as some rye spiciness, giving it a nice complexity.

Flavor

Taking a sip, the first thing I noticed was how the sweetness of the corn and malted barley came through. This was balanced by the warmth and spice of the rye in the mash bill. The wood influence from the chiseled and charred American white oak barrels added depth and complexity to the flavors, with toffee and caramel being dominant, along with a hint of butterscotch. I also picked up on some darker fruit notes, like cherry, as well as spices such as cinnamon, clove, and licorice.

Finish

The finish of Coopers’ Craft Bourbon delivered a lingering warmth that was both satisfying and smooth. It showcased the wood influence from the barrels, with oak and a touch of leather being present. The sweetness of caramel and honey carried through from the palate, along with cocoa and that rye spice, adding a pleasant aftertaste that made me want to take another sip. There was a slight heat from the 50% ABV, but it was not overwhelming.

Rating

In terms of rating, considering the complexity and depth of flavor for its price range, I would give Coopers’ Craft Bourbon a solid score. It may not be the absolute best, but it’s definitely a good bourbon for those who enjoy something easy to drink with enough character to stand out.

Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixers

Coopers Craft Bourbon has a mellow sweetness, with flavors including banana, honey, caramel, mint, oak, and spice, making it an ideal base for cocktails or mixed drinks. Here are a few mixers that work well with it:

• Soda: Adding soda to your bourbon can help to enhance its flavors. Cola, ginger ale, or club soda can all be great options.
• Fruit juice: Apple or cranberry juice can add a fruity touch to pair with the bourbon’s existing flavors.
• Bitters: A dash of bitters can help to bring out the deeper flavors in Coopers Craft Bourbon, such as the cinnamon or chocolate notes.
• Sweeteners: Simple syrup or maple syrup can be added if you prefer a sweeter profile.

Cocktail Suggestions

Considering its flavor profile and 100-proof ABV, Coopers Craft Bourbon can work well in various cocktail recipes. Here are a couple of classic suggestions:

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The Old Fashioned is a perfect blend of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and water, garnished with an orange peel twist. This classic allows the caramel, oak, and cinnamon notes of the bourbon to shine through.

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Whiskey Sour has bright, citrusy flavors of lemon juice and simple syrup, combined with whiskey and a frothy egg white, creating a delicious and well-balanced whiskey sour. You can also serve it on the rocks for variation.

Food Pairings

When paired with the right dishes, Coopers Craft Bourbon can let its unique flavors come to the forefront. Here are some food pairings that complement the bourbon:

• Starters: Cheese plates or charcuterie boards with an assortment of sharp and aged cheeses or cured meats can be a great pairing to contrast with the sweetness of the bourbon.
• Mains: BBQ dishes like smoked brisket or ribs, glazed with a bourbon-based BBQ sauce, can highlight the caramel and vanilla notes while providing a savory contrast.
• Desserts: Rich, chocolate-based desserts, such as chocolate lava cake or brownies, can bring out the chocolate notes in the bourbon and intensify the flavors overall.

Remember to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds when mixing and pairing Coopers Craft Bourbon. The key is to enjoy it your way.

Conclusion

In my experience with Coopers Craft Bourbon, I find it to be a decent whiskey offering that is distinctive due to its unique filtration process. The use of beech and birch charcoal in the Original Beeched & Birched variant adds a special touch, setting it apart from other Kentucky straight bourbons like Old Forester. However, it may not live up to the expectations set by other Brown-Forman family members.

Coopers Craft Barrel Reserve 100 Proof, on the other hand, has impressed me with its aroma. While it may not have the depth and definition that one might expect from a top-tier bourbon, it is still an enjoyable drink. The toasted oak staves used in the cooperages contribute to its rich flavors of oak and tobacco.

One interesting aspect of Coopers Craft Bourbon is its chiseled and charred barrel reserve variant. This process exposes the distillate to more charred wood, enhancing the flavors and complexity of the whiskey. The Sinatra Select, with its distinct chiseled staves, could offer another comparison point for those who enjoy Coopers Craft’s unique approach.

A key factor to consider when evaluating Coopers Craft Bourbon is its charcoal filtration process. This technique contributes to the drinkable and gentle nature of the whiskey, making it suitable for a diverse range of palates. Some may argue that this filtration process can lead to a loss of brightness, but others may find the more mature flavors appealing.

To sum it up, Coopers Craft Bourbon presents an intriguing mix of unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Its various expressions, including Original Beeched & Birched, Barrel Reserve 100 Proof, and the chiseled and charred variant, cater to different preferences. While it might not be everyone’s top choice, it’s worth giving a try for those interested in experiencing an alternative take on a classic Kentucky straight bourbon.