Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
LOCK, STOCK & BARREL IS THE LATEST SURE-FIRE CREATION FROM THE COOPER SPIRITS COMPANY R ye was America's original whiskey. Long before corn-based bourbon became the nation's "distinctive" spirit, rye whiskey was being distilled by New World Scotch and Irish settlers in the Colonies. Although rum was also prevalent in those days, the blockade of American ports by the British during the Revolutionary War prevented the importation of Caribbean molasses for rum manufacture, assuring that rye would become the new nation's favorite tipple. Since those heady days, when gentleman farmer George Washington distilled rye at Mount Vernon, fans of rye saw the grain-based spirit dwindle into an afterthought, only to be resurrected prominently in recent years thanks to the revival cocktail movement and its search for authentic, historic American spirits. Rye sales increased 50 percent in 2011 alone, according to DISCUS (the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States). Rye is so popular, in fact, that there's been a shortage of good product. Another Innovation The timing couldn't be better for Rob Cooper. The creator of St-Germain, the French elderflower liqueur that became ubiquitous on backbars throughout the land after its initial release in 2007 (and which was sold to Bacardi earlier this year), Cooper has just released Lock, Stock & Barrel, a 13-year-old straight rye that's destined to confirm The Cooper Spirits Company as an innovator without equal. Cooper is a third-generation distiller. His grandfather, Maurice, founded Cooper Brewery in the early 20th century and later brought spirits supplier Charles Jacquin et Cie. After he took over the business, Rob's father, Sky Cooper, discovered historic French raspberry liqueur Chambord in the Loire Valley and brought it to the States, making it a huge hit. Lock, Stock & Barrel (SRP $115–119/750 ml.) is a far cry from either Chambord or St-Germain. Instead of silken French elegance, the new rye exudes robust but complex New World spice and graininess. Sourced from a Canadian distillery founded by legendary distiller, bootlegger and (later) conservationist George C. Reifel and originally built in the middle of a 40-acre rye field, perfectly matured Lock, Stock & Barrel was aged for 13 years in new charred American oak casks and bottled at an assertive 101.3 proof. It's packaged in a unique multifaceted black bottle that makes a statement as distinctive as the product inside it. The name—referring not only to the components of a Revolutionary War–era musket but also an expression that indicates total commitment—is as appropriate as rye whiskey is in a Perfect Manhattan. The retro black-andwhite label is a reflection on America's erstwhile (and, now, contemporary) love of rye whiskey and makes Lock, Stock & Barrel a product that will stand out proudly—and uniquely—among today's myriad other rye offerings. Spicy and assertive, Lock, Stock & Barrel is a rye-drinker's rye, served here on the rocks. december 2013 / the tasting panel / 129 TP1213_104-148.indd 129 11/23/13 8:38 PM