Here we have a Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky released by Diageo under the unique brand of Copper Dog. There is no age statement or confirmation of the distilleries involved so… let’s unpack the title and do a little detective work.
First up “Whisky” means that the youngest element of this overall whisky is at least 3 years and 1 day old. The “Scotch” part means that it is all made and matured in Scotland. The “Speyside” element then compounds that and confirms that all the constituent whiskies have been made within the Speyside region of Scotland. The “Blended Malt” element then finally confirms that we have a combination of single malt whiskies from different distilleries (“Blended Scotch” on its own usually denoted a mixture of malt and grain whiskies).
Man’s best friend, as the saying goes. Copper Dog is that and more – a companion for everyone and for every occasion. Familiar. Inclusive. Friendly and relaxed.
In years long-past, the colourful characters grafting in Scottish distilleries would help themselves to a dram using a Copper Dog; a pipe hidden inside the leg of their trousers. They would fashion their own vessels with scraps of metal from the cooperage, soldering a penny on one end and keeping the dram safe at the other with a cork. A chain attached to belt or braces would make sure the whisky was kept on a tight leash.
Copper Dog is a tribute to those Speyside rascals whose legacy inspired our unique blend of no fewer than eight single malts. Slowly married together in old oak casks. An easy-drinking scotch with ripe fruit aromas and a delicate spicy finish. First created in the Craigellachie Hotel.
Copper Dog
The “Dog” loving doesn’t stop there as Copper Dog also supports numerous charities across the U.S, supporting local dog shelters.
Coming back to the whisky, we know that we are therefore dealing with (at least) eight different single malts from Speyside, which have been combined by master blender Stuart Morrison. The whisky is targeted to be enjoyed either neat or in cocktails and mixed drinks, and is bottled at 40% ABV.
Nose
Very malty upfront with cereal notes – specifically those dusty muesli/oats smells. Then comes the fruits with apple, peach, and white grapes. Bit of that thick honey fragrance too – with both the sweetness and that earthy quality you get from runny honey. Cinnamon spice joins in too.
Taste
Stewed fruits. Apple and cinnamon in the particular. A touch of sherry orange flavour that is usually associated with your classic sherried Speysider. Honey and cinnamon are present after the fruits with a continued good malty body, followed by a gradual build of spice.
Finish
Fairly swift finish with oaky baking spices fizzling out, leaving a honey sweetness.
Verdict
It’s pretty good, you know. Flavour wise at least. It has a fairly thin body, and doesn’t really stand up to being a sipper that you can sit down and spend a lot of time with. But that’s not what they’re selling either. It knows its market and does it well: the ever expanding cocktail market. Just looking at their site and your first drawn to their Apple Dog cocktail recipe.
I’ve actually used this in several cocktails as a result, as well as in hot toddies and in my whisky sauce to accompany a haggis, neeps, and tatties Burns supper.
For that reason, you can also draw a lot of comparisons to Monkey Shoulder, which is sold by Wm Grants & Son. It is a blended malt scotch. It is targeted primarily for mixing/mixologists. It plays heavily on an old industry term. It carries no age statement. It’s got a similar price point.
I like that it’s origins come from the Craigellachie hotel. The pub in that hotel carries the Copper Dog name, and having been there, greatly accompanies The Highlander Inn in Craigellachie as a welcoming haven for whisky enthusiasts.
Overall, a good addition for the cabinet if you are after a little something for your whisky cocktail – particularly if you’re the type that would consider mixing whisky with anything as sacrilege. No snobbery here. I like the touch of the “copper dog” drawing appearing in the cap too. A bottle kill along with these notes and whilst I won’t be in a rush to replace it – I don’t mind mixing other whiskies to make cocktails! – but a bottle kill nonetheless is as testament as any to its use, versatility, and satisfactory consumption.
M
Sample disclosure: I purchased this bottle myself. All notes are intended as an honest, fair, and independent review of the whisky itself, and not a promotion. Please drink responsibly. Please drink wisely.
whisky unplugged 
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