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By Charlie Spiering
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
“This whiskey doesn’t speak for itself, it sings.”
That is the comment of one satisfied whiskey drinker after tasting Wasmund’s single malt whiskey.
Word is getting around, as whiskey lovers are amazed to learn that one of the most unique brands of whiskey in North America is distilled in Virginia. WTiat’s not surprising is that the celebrated whiskey comes from Rappahannock County, the heart of many things unique.
Overshadowed by the abundance of wineries within the county, the Copper Fox Distillery lies almost unknown in an old apple building across the yard from Copper Fox Antiques in Sperryville. Inside the building, Rick Wasmund, iris mother Helen, and his friend Sean McCaskey spend their days quietly distilling this special whiskey, one batch at a time.
Fruit wood flavored '
What Wasmund has discovered is an entirely new technique of flavoring single malt whiskey. In Scotland, professional distillers dry their malting barley by burning different types of peat to give it a distinct flavor and aroma. Wasmund stumbled upon his innovation seven years ago while burning some rotting cherry wood, on his property at Pelham farms in Middleton, Virginia. “It was really just one of those ‘Eureka’ type of moments,” said Wasmund. “I realized how good the smoke smelled when it struck me that I had never heard of a whiskey made with fruit wood.” As Wasmund investigated further, he found that fruit wood had indeed not been used to flavor a whiskey.
Spirited tour
After a few experiments with fruit wood chips at home, Wasmund began to consider his idea on a larger scale. He visited many distilleries throughout the country, nurturing
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