Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
In June of this year, the Kamiki Drinks brand introduced Oakpacker American Single Malt Whiskey. With an eye on sustainability, it’s being introduced as the “World’s First Air-Harvested Water Fused Whiskey Brand.”
Oakpacker American Single Malt Whiskey is a small batch whiskey that’s non-chill filtered and aged in American Oak, likely for at least three years since it bears the designation of American single malt. The name Oakpacker is a tribute to the squirrels who, according to the brand’s website, play an “important role in the whiskey-making process,” by planting acorns that eventually grow into oak trees.
Bottled at 94 proof it is sourced from “the finest American single malt whiskies” that meet the standards set by Kamiki Drinks. Oakpacker tasting notes suggest flavors of molten milk chocolate, spice-roasted pecans, candied ginger, marzipan, carrot cake, allspice, baked fruit and Italian biscotti. While the finish boasts chocolate milk notes along with toasted walnuts and fruit jam.
“We created Oakpacker to honor the tireless work of squirrels in gathering acorns and spreading oak trees, which provide the wood for crafting the barrels used to age our whiskey,” as stated by Kamiki Drinks. “In our commitment to nature, we carefully selected the finest barrels and blended our whiskey with air-harvested pure water, ensuring a perfectly smooth taste while minimizing our usage of fresh water.”
According to the brand’s philosophy, sustainability is a high priority. Their method of using water collected from the atmosphere reduces the reliance on traditionally sourced water which helps to conserve water sources. With their use of air-harvested water to proof their whiskey they are very likely the first brand to use this innovative method. With an increase in eco-friendly production methods becoming more prevalent among more distilleries these days, it’s likely something that may start to catch on.
Oakpacker American Single Malt Whiskey is currently available in the U.S. market with plans to expand to the global market later this year.
We review Oakpacker American Single Malt Whiskey, made in part with “air harvested water” that’s been collected from the atmosphere to conserve water sources. (image via Jennifer Williams/The Whiskey Wash)
Tasting Notes: Oakpacker American Single Malt Whiskey
Vital Stats: 94 proof (46% ABV).
Appearance: Rich gold.
Nose: Citrus notes hit the nose first followed closely by warm cinnamon, oak, butterscotch, vanilla, maple syrup, and juicy peach.
Palate: The palate offers a nice complexity of flavors such as spicy vanilla, and honey sweet raisins, along with late appearances of lush and fragrant meadow, soft leather, cherries, and a hint of creamy orange soda.