Copeland 25.3 Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Cask Strength is a powerful yet refined expression, crafted to highlight the depth and character of Copeland’s single malt spirit. Made from a mash bill of 100% malted barley and double distilled for clarity and texture, this release showcases both intensity and precision in equal measure.

Matured for a minimum of 5 years, the whiskey ranges from 5 years and 2 months to 5 years and 7 months in age. It brings together eight select casks originally owned across the distillery’s founding 125 cask owners, each chosen for balance, depth and individuality. The core maturation combines first-fill American Bourbon barrels with a first-fill Oloroso sherry quarter cask, creating a foundation of richness, warmth and layered complexity.

To introduce further nuance, portions from two of these casks—one Bourbon and one Oloroso—were finished for three months in a 225-litre ex-California Pinot Noir cask, previously used to finish Copeland’s Smugglers Reserve Rum. This rare finishing cask imparts subtle touches of red fruit, gentle sweetness, soft spice and a whisper of rum-soaked richness, beautifully woven into the single malt’s natural profile.

On the nose, the whiskey opens with vibrant fruit notes, warm oak, vanilla sweetness and hints of dried berries. The palate is bold yet balanced, delivering layers of malt richness, sweet spice, toasted oak, soft caramel and red fruit tones from the finishing cask. The elevated strength amplifies intensity while retaining poise and smoothness.

The finish is long, warming and structured, with lingering spice, fruit skins and a gentle thread of cocoa and oak.

Bottled at 58.4% ABV, and presented at natural cask strength, 25.3 Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Cask Strength is a richly layered, vibrant expression that showcases the full depth of Copeland’s cask craft.