Sips & Sites & Bites

If you’ve ever wanted to bottle up the atmosphere of a cigar lounge … the leather chairs, the wood-paneled walls, the hum of quiet conversation, and the smoky, rich aroma … well, Coppercraft Distillery in Michigan has done just that. And they’ve managed to distill it into their latest release: the Coppercraft 9-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

For those unfamiliar, Coppercraft has been quietly building a reputation for quality spirits since 2012, tucked along Michigan’s manufacturing coast in Holland. Their home base draws inspiration from the region’s hard-working heritage, where quality craftsmanship wasn’t just expected, it was the way of life. And that same ethos shows up in every sip of this new 9-year-old bourbon.

Let’s talk about the whiskey itself. This isn’t some rushed, slap-a-label-on-it operation. The Coppercraft 9-Year-Old expression starts with barrels of well-aged Indiana bourbon, each boasting at least nine years of mellowing in oak. But the real magic happens with Coppercraft’s signature approach, what they call a “cognac technique.”

Essentially, they borrow methods from the world of brandy blending and proofing, taking their time (three months, to be exact) to carefully marry the barrels and bring the whiskey down to 90.6 proof.

The result? A pour that feels like slipping into a well-worn leather armchair. Deep, rich notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted nuts, and oak wrap around the senses, with a bold whisper of tobacco and cinnamon trailing behind. It’s smooth, refined, but still carries that satisfying backbone you want in a bourbon … like a velvet glove with a firm handshake.

What really stands out is how approachable this bottle is, both in taste and price. At $37.99 for a 750ml, it feels like a secret the whiskey world forgot to keep. It’s an affordable way to indulge in a well-aged, luxuriously layered bourbon without feeling like you need to refinance your house to enjoy it.

Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or someone just dipping a toe into the whiskey world, this is the kind of bottle that makes you want to sit back, pour a glass, and let the evening slow down a bit. Pair it with a crackling fire, good conversation, or yes … a fine cigar … and you’ve got yourself a little slice of Michigan-made indulgence.