36 minute read
Whisky Cabinet
THE WHISKY CABINET
Welcome to our Whisky Cabinet where we share with you our thoughts and evaluations on the excellent whiskies we have access to, through our brand and trade partners.
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Our drinks curator, Ben Davidson of Bespoke Drinks assembled some of the finest and most loved whiskies from around the world that are available in Australia, and asked respected independent whisky experts to taste and evaluate the whiskies under a blind tasting conditions.
The tasting notes submitted by the Whisky Cabinet expert tasters gives us an excellent insight into the flavours and aromas as well as the overall perceived quality, based on the style and substance of each whisky or whiskey.
WHISKY CABINET TASTING EXPERTS:
ASH PINI | Editor BEN DAVIDSON | Drinks Curator JAMES BUNTIN | The Whisky Ambassador MATT WOOLER | Dram Nation MATT BAILEY | SMWS KEN GARGETT | Spirits Writer YAO WONG | The Elysian, Melbourne GEOFF FEWELL | Speakeasy Group, Melbourne DIMITRI RTSHILADZE | Mechanic’s Institute, Perth STUART MORROW | The Baxter Inn, Sydney
Slainte! ASH.
SCOTCH WHISKY
SINGLE MALT WHISKY GLENFIDDICH
21YO RESERVA RUM CASK FINISH
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.2% | RRP $260 Deep gold colour. Aromas of Demerara sugar, tropical fruits, molasses. Rich and complex palate, filled with brown sugar, banana, toffee. A generous mouthfeel. As it develops I’m getting a coffee flavour. A whisky to be savoured, take your time and enjoy. AP 94
THE GLENLIVET
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 63.1% | RRP $125 Heavy sweet vanilla oak and carbon paper aromas. Typical bourbon cask style fruity love yet mildly nutty. A good level of proof gives a high spirit effect Spicy and wax driven with malt, apple flesh and vanilla sweetness overall before a sharp metallic tang hammers home. Long, drying and fresh with one mighty spicy punch to the throat. While sharpening your favourite Scottish Claymore great sword. MW 90
Finally some cask strength! Very light and un-peated on the nose. No burn at all however so perfect integration of cask and spirit regardless of age. Clearly an ex-bourbon cask. Hot sponge cake on the palate with notes of macadamia nut, white sugar dusting, red apple skins. Finish is long and huge. Love it. Neat, drop of water, and in a proper copita. MB 90
BENRIACH
10YO ‘CURIOSITAS’ PEATED SINGLE MALT
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 46.0% | RRP $95 Very pale in colour, think paw-paw yellow . This single malt has real character. An exciting complex rugged style. Reminds one of wild heather and barren rock. Intense. Nuts and smoke. A no-prisoners, serious malt. Some spice and even some teak. A finely balanced and spirited dram with a long and nicely balanced finish. KG 96
Pale straw colour with aromas of earthy sooty smoke, clean and light apple sweetness, followed by a palate of smoky white oak with a grassy floral sweetness and hints of straw. The Finish long and refined with vanilla caramels and malty brioche. I would love to have this with a selection of cheeses like a creamy light blue or a mild washed rind. JB 94
ABERLOUR
12YO
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $89 Dark golden colour. Aromas of red apples, tinged with ginger spice and oloroso sherry sweetness. On the palate the aromas translate into a full bodied mouthfeel, with orchard fruit sweetness, hints of dark chocolate and raisins, robust malty character and a nice smattering of sweet sherry notes all the way to a deliciously long finish. BD 88
LONGMORN
DISTILLER’S CHOICE
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $120 Light Yellow gold colour with aromas of Fresh banana, tropical fruit, green mango pineapple skin and tarragon. On the Palate - Werthers originals, light pine or balsa wood, sweet liquorice and redcurrant marshmallows. The Finish is delicate light buttery to the end I would smash this with a pavlova or a fruit salad and cream. JB 87
Old gold, though at the paler end of the range. A little like lemon blossom. Some florals and a hint of a smoky note. Old furniture. It is still just a little muted and opens with time in the glass. Mustard seed spices. Pleasant but is a little broad – could do with more focus. Enjoyable but not the most complex of malts. Lots to like if one is not being super-critical. A mid-length finish. KG 88
GLENFIDDICH
21YO ‘WINTER STORM’
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $350 Light caramel, copper and hues. The aromas are rich and complex on the nose, an orchestra full of vanilla, honey and tropical fruits. On the palate it has a complex mouthfeel that delivers a rich and balanced experience. Touches of cinnamon and peppery spices complete a very pleasurable dram. The finish is complex with a slight orange peel bitterness that balances the rich finish. A superb whisky! AP 95
LAGAVULIN
16YO SINGLE ISLAY MALT
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $110 Golden colour. Aromas of Iodine! Peat reek and salt that opens up to a creamy vanilla note. A slight greenness like raw asparagus or seaweed. Iodine carries through to the palate. A pleasant sweetness, with a salted butter note coming through. Plenty of maritime character. This would be a great finisher to the night. Campfire type whisky that will keep you warm on a winter night. Would go great with a dark chocolate torte. SM 88 warm earth notes, minerally. But the real character here is the richness, the fruitcake notes and hints of chocolate. This is a Christmas whisky if ever there was one. Supple and creamy. Good spirit but nicely balanced. The impression is of notes not dissimilar to an aged Rutherglen muscat or PX sherry. The intense plum pudding notes are maintained for the long haul. Love it. excellent length. KG 95
Mahogany coloured with aromas of Chocolate Oloroso sherry and french polish. On the Palate there is Stewed fruit chutney,rich fruit cake and salty chocolate truffles. The finish is Amazingly long multi layered and refreshingly deep. Best enjoyed At the end of the evening with special friends or to toast that special occasion JB 97
GLENFIDDICH
18YO
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $125 Deep Golden in colour. Aromas of Christmas cake, butter and caramel sweets. Flavours of ginger and vanilla, dried fruits and almonds. Deliciously elegant across the palate, the whisky slides across the taste buds and delivers rich and full flavours. Medium to long finish. Everything you’d expect in a classic Speyside single malt. Shows signs of plenty of age. Delicious! AP 89
THE GLENLIVET
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 60.7% | RRP $110 Pale Bronze in colour. Aromas of hazelnuts, walnut shells, leather books. Signature sherry. ABV is done well, and doesn’t stand out. On the palate there are notes of Bosc pears, ripe apricots, lychee, dried mango, redcurrant jelly, burnt caramel, violet crumble, giving waves of flavours and texture. Apricot brandy, treacle, toffee apple, wine gums, Airy to oily across the palate as the high ABV dries the mouth and begins to take over. The finish needs cask sweetness to carry this here, not more time, just better oak. Very nice cask strength dram! GF 88
Deep Golden in colour with a faint whiff of highland peat up front gives way to crème brulee, honey and cereal notes. Given time orchard fruit, namely pear, notes appear. At bottling strength it is all poached pear and vanilla leading to some signature sherry dryness. A drop of water reveals more depth, with rockmelon and muscovado coming to the front. A hint of smoke and salt. Would go great with cured meats and cheese platter. SM 90
GLENDRONACH
21YO PARLIAMENT
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 48.0% | RRP $250 Dark, dark mahogany colour. There is obvious aged material here. Mature and complex. Some
GLENFIDDICH
IPA EXPERIMENT
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $135 Pale gold colour. Aromas of Fruitcake, raisins and stewed apple, quite rich and exotic. Spiced mid-palate, Demerara sugar – rich and complex – delicious and generous. Faint hints of chocolate and faint hopiness on the medium to long finish. AP 92
BENRIACH
10YO
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $70 Pale lemon/orange. Similar colour to an old cricket bat. This is a little muted and closed at this stage. Open it up with a drop or two of water. There is a little treacle and even warm earth with a hint of pine forest freshness. A lovely creamy texture. There is a pleasing malty note, but certainly not overwhelming at all. Some citrus and floral touches. All very attractive Medium length and it lingers with a very soft finish. KG 90
TAMNAVULIN
DOUBLE CASK
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $65 Very full bodied with lots of freshly picked casks, rich and sweet spirit with both bourbon and sherry influence shining through. Ever-so-slight hint of sulphur and driftwood, then mango and dessert cream. Brown sugars on the palate and nicely oaky on the finish. As an intro to classic single malts. MB 85
GLENFARCLAS
105 CASK STRENGTH SPANISH OLOROSO SHERRY CASK
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 60.0% | RRP $140 Dried fruit and a big hit of alcohol, followed by lovely dried fruits, dates, and sweetness. With water it is more of a sherry and fruit affair. Still a hint of higher alcohol burn which carries the sherry flavours for a long time. When it disappears you are left with an oily dark fruit finish. Straight, and then a dab of water to reduce the burn. Definitely one to enjoy straight for the more seasoned drinkers DR 93
GLENFIDDICH
15YO SOLERA RESERVE
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $120 Deep gold colour. Aromas of dried fruit and spice, vanilla and a rich oakiness. A nice viscous and slightly oily mouthfeel and a lovely opulent palate of fruitcake and sherry sweetness with raisins and dried apricot. Finish is long and complex with a slightly drying oaky and rich sweetness. AP 90
THE BALVENIE
14YO CARIBBEAN CASK
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $145 Rich golden in colour. Spicy, full and sweet dried fruits, hints of rum and raisins. On the palate there’s a powerful mouthfeel with a combination of tropical fruits, vanilla and honey. There’s a long finish with plenty of complex spice and fruits. AP 88
BRUICHLADDICH
THE CLASSIC LADDIE UN-PEATED
Region: Islay, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $99 Pale Golden colour. Creamy aromas, bold, soft smoke, medicinal, cashew nuts, button mushrooms, forest floor. Rich palate, oily, a bit young, grassy, oxidised citrus, sour fruits on the finish. Mild sharpness on the finish, pomelo, hints of bitter citrus pith…. A light metallic touch on the finish? Straight or with water. YW 75
THE BALVENIE
17YO DOUBLE WOOD
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $180 Rich gold in colour. Sherry sweetness on the nose, with dried fruits. Forceful yet elegant. Plenty of spices and dried fruit, a warmth carries the flavour from front to back effortlessly. Chocolate and creamy texture. Rich and generous, the sweetness is delivered in balance AP 88
AILSA BAY
SWEET SMOKE SINGLE MALT
Region: Lowlands, Scotland ABV 48.9% | RRP $100 Pale golden colour with aromas of distant peat and heather moss with sweet notes of stonefruit and citrus and faint vanilla coming through. On the palate, a fine balance of subtle brine and distant campfire with the sweetness of orange and crème anglaise. The lifted alcohol is nicely balanced with the flavours to give a very satisfying dram. Best enjoyed neat or with a little ice. BD 89
THE BALVENIE
12YO DOUBLE WOOD
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $85 Yellow gold in colour. Aromas of vanilla, honey and light oak sweetness. On the palate there are notes of raisins, dried fruit and gentle spice. Lovely notes of nutmeg and cinnamon come through on mid-palate, with a spicy, sweetness that still allows the whisky to have a slightly dry and medium length finish. AP 86
ABERLOUR
A’BUNADH
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 59.8% | RRP $140 Dark mahogany in appearance. The aromas are Christmas cake in a glass. Dates combined with spices, cloves nutmeg, star anise and cinnamon with burnt orange peel oils in the background. On the palate there are notes plums, black cherries with dark chocolate, which coat the mouth with full bodied sweet sherry and balanced oak woven together. A cask strength flavour tour de force that finishes full of exotic spices and oak that leaves the mouth salivating for more. Perfect in a tasting glass with 5ml of cold water. BD 94
CRAIGELLACHIE
17YO SINGLE MALT
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 46.0% | RRP $175 Light, straw-like appearance. A tantalizing nose; apple juice, black tea and cinnamon. A honey sweetness, beautifully balanced and powerful mouthfeel. Develops into more cinnamon with butterscotch and oaky sweetness and buttery texture. Medium-length and complex. Honeysuckle and herbs – again well balanced. A cracking Speyside single malt with plenty to offer that is not overpowering. The word to describe this whisky is: balance. AP 90
THE DALMORE
15YO HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT
Region: Highlands, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $150 Dark and sexy amber colour with big aromas of dried fruits, a bit of funk but in a good way, hidden alcohol. You pick up what you would assume is a different cask type rather than American oak, I’d guess at potentially sherry wood. Sweet upfront, transforming to malt and a treacle, dries out for a bit then comes back with a date like sweetness. The finish is long, sweet and dry. Left wanting more. In a glass, into your mouth. DR 94
SCAPA
Region: Orkney, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $120 Pale Gold colour with soft aromas, hints of wood tannin, hint of citrus, a little bit of spice. On the palate, signs of lifted alcohol, malty driven with a hint of esters and dry cacao. The finish is surprising long, dry and leaves you wanting more. I’d enjoy this mixed in something like a whisky highball. DR 85
GLENFIDDICH
PROJECT XX
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 47.0% | RRP $150 Bright gold in colour. Fresh and lively, lots of fruit, ripe apples apricots and pear. Delicate spices with nutmeg, vanilla and subtle cinnamon. On the palate the flavours darken to include stewed fruit, roasted nuts and dark chocolate, with some black pepper spice and oak leading to a delicious medium to long finish. AP 89
TALISKER
STORM SINGLE MALT
Region: Skye, Scotland ABV 45.8% | RRP $85 Pale golden colour. Aromas of soft smoke, old oak and a touch of almond. On the palate upfront malt, then with a salty fizz on the side of the tongue with a dried fruit like sweetness, building. On the finish there is lingering wood smoke, only light, then sweetness returns to round it out. A very nice sipper with just a dash of water. DR 93
GLENFARCLAS
15YO SPANISH OLOROSO CASK MATURED
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 45.8% | RRP $145 Deep golden with touches of mahogany in colour. Aromas of dried fruit and nuts, as the intense and powerful oloroso sherry cask aging is revealed. Notes of old varnish, leather and old book shop signals the aged characters and heavily oxidised aromas leaning toward rancio. The palate is all raisins, more sherry, orange marmalade, walnuts and sticky dates pudding. The finish is incredibly long, complex, with a garnish of walnuts, Christmas cake. This is a superb whisky! BD 94
THE GLENLIVET
15YO THE FRENCH OAK RESERVE
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $120 Peach iced tea coloured. Aromas of lovely stone fruits, tropical, red grapes, soft caramel, starburst candy, vibrant fruit profile overall. Very pleasant on the palate, medium weight, more tropical fruit moving into a toasty malt finish with a lovely tannin. Straight or over ice. YW 85
GLENDRONACH
12YO ORIGINAL SINGLE MALT
Region: Highlands, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $100 Medium golden amber in colour. Aromas of fortified wine cask influence, grapefruit peel, earthy spices, raisins, richer stewed fruit, touch of sulphur, dusty cupboards. On the palate is marmalade, orange blossom honey, some stewed stone fruits, meaty, cloves, semi dried prunes and hints of blueberry, followed by a medium long finish. Straight or over ice. YW 86
THE SINGLETON
12YO SINGLE MALT OF DUFFTOWN
Region: Dufftown, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $75 Dark Straw colour. Aromas are light and fruity, lots of orchard fruits, red apples, fresh citrus peel, cut grass, hints of pineapple. It has a malty palate, oiliness that lightly coats the mouth, caramel, good vanilla kick with a lovely floral finish and medium length. Best enjoyed Straight or over ice. YW 88
HIGHLAND PARK
12YO ‘VIKING HONOUR’
Region: Orkney, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $85 Very Pale, Light Straw in colour. Aromas of lightly peated malt, toffee and light oak. On the palate there is a light fizz on the side of the tongue, light wood tannin but surprisingly good mouth feel. The finish is short and crisp, with a lightly peated malty sweetness that lingers for a little bit. Depends on what your jam is, acceptable as a sipper, I’d be throwing some sugar and bitters in there to make it more of a crowd pleasing Old Fashioned. DR 87
THE MACALLAN
12 YO DOUBLE CASK
Region: Speyside, Scotland ABV 43.0% | RRP $115 Dark Straw colour. Aromas of ginger spice, some dried apples and floral. Not a lot of sweetness, quite dry and savoury, hint of nutmeg. Good length, finishes with that continued spice, slightly resinous. Best enjoyed Neat, dash of water really opens it up. DR 93
BRUICHLADDICH
PORT CHARLOTTE HEAVILY PEATED
Region: Islay, Scotland ABV 50.0% | RRP $99 Light golden straw colour. Aromas of peat and of lifted alcohol, but not unpleasant. Lots of malt and a hint of stewed fruits and coffee, very malt forward, pretty delicious and oily. Slight hint of smoke. The finish is long, carried through by the high alcohol. A touch of water helps to open it up. Definitely a good sipper and a good way to end the evening. DR 95
LAPHROAIG
25YO CASK STRENGTH 2013 EDITION
Region: Islay, Scotland ABV 45.1% | RRP $700 Light Gold colour. Aromas of iodine, with hay mulch and honey. Some floral notes with macadamia oil and ginger. Some slight sherried sweetness, on the palate with faint iodine and sea spray gives way to ginger snap. Macadamia and almond nuts. Some baked apple and vanilla. Superb and deep smoky finish. Would go well with Battenberg cake. SM 93
BRUICHLADDICH
OCTOMORE MASTERCLASS 08.1 SUPER-HEAVILY PEATED
Region: Islay, Scotland ABV 59.3% | RRP $180 Smashes right up the nostrils and into the brain. Sweet barley, pencil shavings and herbal soot. Red bloody meats and bags of flint, soot and ash. I think a steam locomotive just ran into my throat Lumbering coal train long. Best enjoyed while watching Julie Andrews giving Dick Van Dyke a sponge bath after his scene as a chimney sweep in Mary Poppins. Lather up! MW 93
Boom! The peat is evident. Quite heavily peated, but that’s not what really stands out. The ‘funk’ and barnyard smell is there, which lends itself quite closely to Bruichladdich from experience. Hay bales, horse manure, organic barley and local peat. Menthol and brine on the palate for a big whack on the finish. It’s tasty, it’s peated, but it’s uncomplicated and a tad one-dimensional. Best enjoyed as the last whisky of the night. MB 88
MUIRHEAD’S
16YO SILVER SEAL
Region: Highland, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $69 A rich and full aromas, with a bold character, there are notes of dried fruit, chocolate, highland heather and herbs. The palate is sweet and exceptionally well rounded. Notes of toffee and barley sugar with a hint of smoke and peat coming through, with a medium to long finish. AP 84
SHACKLETON
BLENDED MALT
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $65 Pale Straw colour. Prominent grain character, lightly toasted resin, mild grassiness, lemon peels, light violet flowers. Peppery front palate given for 40% Abv, very soft, no oiliness in the mid palates light biscuits in the finish then a sharp end to the finish. Enjoy with a mixer, soda probably preferred. YW 75
NAKED GROUSE
12YO BLENDED MALT
Region: Highlands, Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $65 Aromas of dark chocolate cherry liqueurs, almonds and old salty leather. All the makings of a carnies carpet bag. Sweet, comfortable and rich. Tends to drop off a bit towards the back. Controlled and even. Looking for that anchor to dull the sweetness. While watching The Famous Five. MW 87
SCOTCH WHISKY
BLENDED WHISKY JOHNNIE WALKER
DOUBLE BLACK LABEL
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $65 Deep copper with brightness. Lifted nose, struck match, honey and oak. Full bodied, rich and complex. Dried raisins, apples and pear - peat smokiness and balance of sweetness and spice. A lingering smokiness elegantly combine with black pepper and charred oak. AP 91
CHIVAS REGAL
18YO
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $85 Dark vibrant gold in colour. Aromas of vanilla, dark chocolate and a faint whiff of smoke, with prominent malty sweetness with a touch of spice. The palate is in line with the nose yet the spicy notes become more pronounced. Malty sweetness and hazelnuts. A bold and rich finish lingers as the spices really come through and then tails off into dark chocolate and well integrated oak. A touch of water brought out an orange zest and opened up an oakiness. A beautifully smooth blended whisky. BD 90
JOHNNIE WALKER
BLACK LABEL SHERRY EDITION
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $65 Dark brown with hints of gold in colour. Imagine the embers of a fire on the horizon. Exciting nose. Showing some appealing complexity. Spice, cinnamon, even the merest hint of mint and orange rind. A little peaty note emerged as a gentle smokiness, balanced with some sherry richness. Great texture here, lovely creaminess. A hint of a nutty and biscuity note comes through. Complex and supple, with good spirit. A very fine blended whisky. Has impressive length. KG 93
CHIVAS REGAL
12YO
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $60 Light Gold colour. Aromas of stone fruit, also apples and pears with Demerara sugar and kitchen spice. Fudge and caramel notes on second inspection. On the palate there is a slight waxy note, accented with peach pits, vanilla and honeydew melon. A sweet demerara finish makes this a very easy intro introduction to whisky. Would make an excellent highball. SM 80
DEWARS
15YO ‘THE MONARCH’
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $70 Golden amber colour. Malt shows up straightaway along with some nice oak, probably both American and Spanish oak, with some sherry. On the palate, sweet Malteasers, sweet sawdust, light entry, fresh and citric, totally unexpected. All light fruits, citrus, wax apples and pear eau de vie. It has an unusual contrast to the nose, good texture, but not much weight. Oak kicks in with a bit of air. Light, short length & juicy. Mouth-watering. Solid for a 40% blend with a decent malt component and well put together. GF 81
CHIVAS REGAL
12 YO MIZUNARA
Region: Scotland ABV 40.0% | RRP $125 Light Amber in colour. Aromas of creamy grain character, medium toasted bread crust, light honey, orange peels, faint earthy and woody spices. On the palate, the oak is more pronounced, with signs of a decent age, good mouthfeel, soft salinity, accented with Christmas cake with a light muted honey character medium-short finish. Can enjoy straight or over ice. YW 82
IRISH WHISKEY
MIDLETON
VERY RARE
Region: Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $250 Burnished gold colour. Aromas of candied lemon, sweet porridge and freshly milled malt. Tropical fruity notes of ripe banana, mango and pineapple sweetness develop. The palate is soft and creamy with lemon drizzle cakes with vanilla cream with hints of barley spice. The mouthfeel has initial softness, along with some of the sweet grainy notes and subtle tartness, barrel char bitterness and sweet cream giving a harmonious taste. A unique whiskey to be sipped and savoured. BD 96
TYRCONNELL
SINGLE MALT IRISH
Region: Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $80 Bright Straw colour. Has a forward nose with pear and vanilla. A moreish mouthfeel as the velvety whiskey slides to the back of the throat, there’s a cleanness and freshness about this whisky, I get lemon zest and caramel. A clean and crisp finish. Feels youthful and would make a delicious sprtiz! AP 85
REDBREAST
12YO SINGLE POT STILL
Region: Cork, Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $100 A golden copper hue. Honeyed nose, almost golden syrup, developing into stewed fruit like cooked apples and pear drops. Deliciously smooth roundness, dried apricot and soft spices bursting on the tongue. Distinctly Irish in the velvety mouthfeel and developing toffee notes, with the barley grain and pot-still characters on show. The finish develops into gentle spiciness, good length and perfectly soothing. BD 92
WEST CORK
SINGLE MALT SHERRY CASK
Region: Cork, Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $120 Golden hay and rose gold colour. Aromas of toasted malt, Wonka toffee apple bars with a faint whiff of peat. On the palate, Monte Carlo jam, sweet honeysuckle, peat shows up more here, drying the middle of the palate, with hints of gardenias. The finish is malty, with dry oak tannins revealing a sherry cask influence. Aside from being a bit thin on the palate, this is delicious, delicate and peated perfectly for a light spirit. GF 84
SLANE
TRIPLE CASKED BLENDED
Region: Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $60 Orange/gold and honey. Soft, gentle aromas. Old leather. A little mustard seed. Old teak and some vanilla. There is noticeable oak, but it is nicely integrated and soft. Underneath, a character like a dying campfire. In the very nicest way. Impressive texture. Good spirit, if a smidge fiery. More of those appealing vanillin nuances emerge on the palate. Moderate length. Would appeal even more if it could maintain its intensity for a little longer. KG 89
JAMESON
BLACK BARREL SELECT RESERVE
Region: Cork, Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $79 Dark golden mahogany in colour. Lovely aromas of sweet vanilla and dark fruits like plums and berries, carried by rich charred American oaky tannins. Some evidence of sherry cask maturation from the signature dried fruit and dryish astringency. On the palate comes a bold flavour of well-aged pot still whisky, notes of dried apricot, dates and honeyed sweetness right through to the drying tannins on the finish. An excellent Irish! Would go well in a Whiskey Sour or Irish Coffee. BD 89
GREENORE
SINGLE GRAIN SMALL BATCH 8YO
Region: Ireland ABV 40.0% | RRP $100 Very pale straw colour. The nose is rather subtle, perhaps a smidge too muted. Open it up for the full effect. There are florals and a hint of nuts. An alluring texture. There is a slight wheaty note on first tasting, but it does not linger. Rather, some honey emerges. Good spirit. Has reasonable length. KG 90
TULLAMORE DEW
TRIPLE DISTILLED
Light golden colour. Aromas of green and red apples, leafy astringency and evidence of ex-bourbon American oak vanilla notes. The palate is crisp and smooth with balanced pot-still and grain whisky adding to a spicy and subtle creamy mouthfeel. A delicious and approachable Irish whiskey that makes for a good aperitif style drink, mixed with soda or ginger ale. BD 87
AMERICAN WHISKEY
JACK DANIEL’S
SINGLE BARREL SELECT
Region: Tennessee, USA. ABV 45.0% | RRP $99 Brassy reddish hue. That sour mash is at the front, oakvanillins, lemondrop, tight and direct. Nice sweet entry, driedstrawberries, luxardo maraschino, varinish(good age), great sweet spice kicks in late. Fills the mouth well. Pepper starts the finish, then more of that cherry, sarsaparilla style, long tannin on the sides, no banana’s which is weird. Still really tasty, though. GF 88
WILD TURKEY
101 KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 50.5% | RRP $65 Dark Amber in colour. Opens up with aromas of roasted coconut husks up front. A second inspection offers notes of creamy panacotta. With time some butterscotch notes appear. On the palate, sweet toffee character transfers into some intense spice. A menthol note appears on the second taste. Lots of toasted oak. Would make a very nice old fashioned. SM 85
ELIJAH CRAIG
SMALL BATCH BOURBON
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 47.0% | RRP $80 A meld of bronze/lemon/ golden colour. Aromas of spices with a very slight peppery note. Some cumin and a lovely vanilla pod character. There is also a freshly sawn wood note, mixed with some lovely varnished teak and orange rind. On the palate there is a really appealing texture. There is also a touch of a floral note emerging. It is nicely balanced and there
is noticeable but well integrated spirit. Gives the impression of being a complete spirit. Has good length on the finish. KG 91
WILD TURKEY
LONGBRANCH
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 43.0% | RRP $65 Burnt gold mahogany coloured. Aromas are well balanced with a blend of classic vanilla and oak spices. Lovely notes of charred oak. The palate reveals flavours of caramel, pear, and hints of citrus round out the smooth and subtle, smoky finish with a full bodied buttery creaminess with a finish of gentle pepper and toasted oak that lasts a good long while. Perfect for sipping on the back porch as the sun goes down. BD 91
WOODFORD RESERVE
STRAIGHT RYE
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 45.2% | RRP $89 Red Gold, bright colour. Aromas of oak char, spicy rye & cherry cola. The palate has sweet vanilla, pepper, sugared almonds, sawdust, clove, long & juicy. The higher alcohol helps here and done very well with integrated spirit & oak. Maybe a little simple, but sometimes it’s the simple things that work the best. GF 87
BUFFALO TRACE
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 40.0% | RRP $65 Deep golden colour. Lovely slate kind of aroma, big sweetness, lots of vanilla. Delicious palate, vanilla and oak, little bit of spice with the sweetness of candied apples. Can enjoy this with Soda, cocktails, neat, staff shots. Seems very versatile. DR 92
WOODFORD RESERVE
DOUBLE OAKED BOURBON
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 43.2% | RRP $76 A dark mahogany colour Vanillin oak notes here. Orange blossoms. Some old teak. Richly flavoured. There are notes here that give it the appearance of having a lot in common with a very fine rum, from the drier end of the spectrum Creamy Texture which really impresses. There is an appealing exuberance about this bourbon. A little sweetness but everything is nicely balanced. That said, the impression of links to a fine rum is even stronger on the palate. There might be links to good rum but this finish, with excellent length, is all bourbon. KG 93
Bright rusty amber colour with aromas of a new leather jacket with maple syrup, charred oak, cherries, nutmeg and Nail polish. The palate has dark chocolate orange and cherry apple crumble with vanilla spice finish that’s long lasting, deep dark and complex. Best enjoyed after dinner in an old fashioned and a mellow cigar. JB 90
MICHTER’S
SMALL BATCH KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 45.7% | RRP $125 Dark, amber colour. Aromas of leather and tobacco, a bit earthy aromas, one of the more complex noses. Hints of floor varnish but in a nice way. Sweetness up front, then a lovely, slatey dry oak flavour, the alcohol is hidden amongst the balance of oak, vanilla and fruit It lasts for a while, changes from sweet, to tannin and then back to sweet. Very pleasant This would be my choice for an everyday drinker, that would still impress most people. I think straight, in a glass would be the best way to enjoy. DR 96
SOUTHERN COMFORT
BLACK
Region: USA ABV 40.0% | RRP $50 Light mahogany colour. Fruity and peachy aromas with sweet stone fruits, sappy and even bubble gum hints. The palate concurs with nose, sweet, soft macerated fruits, peach iced tea, blossom honey, golden syrup, viscous and clingy. Drink over ice with lemon twist or with a mixer, would be nice with tonic. YW 80
MICHTER’S
SINGLE BARREL KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 42.4% | RRP $125 Whoa there horsy, let’s back it up a little! Aromas of mint jelly, cherry pie and pine forest. A palate of White oak shavings and a bitter herbal astringency tend to balance with vanilla and sugar. Long, herbal and a prickling spiciness on a very satisfying finish. I’d enjoy this playing a harmonica on the front porch in the late summer afternoon. MW 90
A rye, but a very balanced one compared to what we usually see with rye of late. This is oaky, honeyed, and very balanced. Banana split on a hot day. Almost a barley in the mix somewhere. Almonds, dark chocolate, orange oil, and turmeric spice. In a rocks glass, maybe a cube of ice, on a warm afternoon. MB 85
WOODFORD RESERVE
CHERRY WOOD SMOKED BARLEY STRAIGHT BOURBON
Region: Kentucky, USA ABV 45.2% | RRP $225 Dusty aromas of sawdust, burnt flour and sugar crusted short crust apple pie. Very dry on the first sip. Take another. The palate builds to sweet
steak proteins. The winds picking up that dry sawdust again. Country roads, lumber mills and pickup trucks. Be sure to pack a red and white flannelette check shirt and tell the missus you won’t be home for supper. MW 91
MELLOW CORN
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT CORN WHISKY
Region: USA ABV 50.0% | RRP $70 BBQ charred corn cobs in the husks. Love this edible nose. Seriously viscous, rich and thick. Gets a little sharp in the palate as a hidden spice appears extending out for some time. Get me some ground pork, chilli spice, onion, tomatoes, coriander and corn. We have a Chilli Con Carne to stew! MW 89
JAPANESE
NIKKA
COFFEY GRAIN
Region: Japan ABV 45.0% | RRP $130 A light golden colour with slightly sweet aromas, with traces of caramel and vanilla. An elegant, creamy palate with grainy flavours smoothly presented across the palate – gentle spice and nuttiness. A grain whisky that presents some oakiness and earthy notes alongside a subtle gentle backbone. A little short, but the extra punch of the 45% lingers on the finish. AP 87
NIKKA WHISKY
PURE MALT TAKETSURU
Region: Japan ABV 43.0% | RRP $130 Heavy malt displaying notes of coffee and pine turpentine. Heavily weighted towards those sharp yet dark rustic notes. Long, dry and tannic. A fusion enjoyed by Japanese, giving their own twist on a classic style Scottish malt. Reminds me of sitting in your great uncles darkened living room while an old shellacked steamer trunk used as a coffee table stares hauntingly back at you. MW 85
CANADIAN WHISKY
LOT 40
RYE WHISKY
Region: Ontario, Canada ABV 43.0% | RRP $85 Copper mahogany in colour. Earthy aromas and up front rye spice balanced with citrus peel and oak gives a sign that this is serious rye whisky. Lovely notes caramel flan, fig jam and burnt orange peel oils. The palate is soft and floral as it opens, leading into a world of spices, cardamom pod and peppery coriander leaf. Crunchy brown sugar and fresh vanilla pod sweetness. On the finish the classic rye spiciness lingers. Makes a banging whisky sour. BD 90
INDIAN WHISKY
RAMPUR
INDIAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY NON-CHILL FILTERED VINTAGE SELECT CASKS
Region: India ABV 43.0% | RRP $100 Rich amber colour. Nutty, aromas with trail mix, dried apricots, vibrant peach, woody straw. Interesting palate with a lot going on searching for balance, Chinese herbal medicine, old cupboards, sweet fruit, citrus, bitter earthiness empty mid palate. Could enjoy straight or mixed. YW 80
PAUL JOHN
Region: Goa, India ABV 46.0% | RRP $90 Faint Gold. Peanut Brittle! Golden straw, dried hay, dried mangoes, apricot, funky.. almost overripe sour fruits in the background. Solid mouthfeel, oily, malty, heavy on the tongue, more salty peanut brittle, savoury finish, touch of white pepper. Straight or with a touch of water. YW 86
J.P. WISER’S PIKE CREEK WHISKY
Region: Ontario, Canada ABV 40% | RRP 72.00 Reddish amber in colour, with subtle aromas of grapes, raisins, dried apricots and fleshy plums, with some decent underlying rye peppery spice, hints of toffee and burnt sugar. On the palate there is nice dried fruit medley, vanilla and subtle oak and a faint red wine characters in the background with a full bodied sweetness overall. Nice length on the finish, accentuated by the port barrel finish leaves sweet oaky tones lingering. Makes a decent sipper, with a big chuck of ice. BD. 84
AUSTRALIAN WHISKY
SULLIVANS COVE
AMERICAN OAK SINGLE CASK
Region: Cambridge, Tasmania ABV 47.5% | RRP $330 Deep Golden yellow colour with aromas of golden syrup over hot crumpets and fruit toast on a malting floor. The palate is lavender floral, creamy goats cheese on crisp-breads or a pepper lavosh cracker with red
onion and ripe stone-fruit, with a finish that’s very complex with notes of buttery shortbread, malty and yeasty and very long lasting. I could drink this outside on a summers day in the country with a big plate of buttery bread getting in tune with nature. Loved this!! JB 97
STARWARD
WINE CASK SINGLE MALT
Region: Melbourne, Victoria ABV 41.0% | RRP $90 Bananas and cinnamon and spice, a bit of lifted alcohol. Bit more obvious alcohol on the palate, still sweet with spice: Sweetness turns into a dry pepper finish, quite short. Either neat, bold enough to hold up in a bunch of cocktails. DR 90
SULLIVANS COVE
FRENCH OAK SINGLE CASK
Region: Cambridge, Tasmania ABV 47.5% | RRP $450 Golden Hue. Aromas of white peach, peach cobbler, Brioche, light honey and vanilla. On the palate, sweet honey on the front opens up to some underlying spice. Candied orange comes through on the mid palate. Finishes with a little peppery spice. Nice opening whisky. If you were to have a few then this would be a great place to start. An early night whisky. Would go well with prosciutto and melon. SM 90
HELLYERS ROAD
PINOT NOIR FINISH
Region: Burnie, Tasmania ABV 46.2% | RRP $100 Bronze/orange/mahogany colour. Nutty nose. Some obvious oak. Quite heavy oak – this will be a little off-putting for some, but others will appreciate the style. There are also some hay and almond notes. And a little biscotti An orange/biscuity note emerged on the palate. Nicely balanced, if a little oaky. Soft finish with reasonable length, though the overall impression is that it is a little solid/chunky. KG 89
TASMANIAN WHISKY
DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES NONESUCH RYE WHISKY
100% RYE
Location: Tasmania ABV 46.5% | RRP $155 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Creamy and buttery, ripe tropical fruits like passion fruit and durian, grainy, fresh dough, sultanas, soft Xmas spices, jelly beans and icing for cakes, a little bit floral grainy and malty, slightly peppery, green wood, milk chocolate and vanilla, spicy with a creamy texture, almonds, green walnuts and wet hay warming, spicy, creamy texture, salivating, quite long and intense with grainy attitudes. Different from your classic American Ryes.
COMING SOON
HELLYERS ROAD
10YO - SLIGHTLY PEATED
Location: Tasmania ABV 46.2% | RRP $120 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Subtly smoky plumes form fading campfire. Citrus tones of lemon and orange transcending to a vanilla sweetness. Creamy with a lingering smokiness. Champion Australian Single Malt - 2018 Distilled Spirit Awards.
OLD KEMPTON
SMALL CASK RELEASE (PORT CASK)
Location: Tasmania ABV 46.0% | RRP $220 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Rich leather and coffee/mocha. Rum and raisins with orange, fruit pudding and pantry spices. Big bold and robust dark chocolate notes. Spices, plums, cherries, cassia bark. Classic Tasmanian single cask richness and character in abundance. Rich long finish, fading to a dryness of attractive tannins which come from the small cask maturation. Each Small Cask release is released as a single cask, variance in the flavour of whisky between releases should be expected.
SULLIVANS COVE
AMERICAN OAK SINGLE CASK
Location: Tasmania ABV 47.5% | RRP $330 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Malt, vanilla, white flowers and wood shop. Caramel, pound cake and apricots. Lingering malt texture and powerful oak finish.
TRAPPERS HUT
SINGLE MALT CASK LD 601
Location: Tasmania ABV 45.0% | RRP $295 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Delicate floral notes with a hint of vanilla. Soft & warming, rolls beautifully across the palate, a smooth well balanced single malt. Long & smooth Limited Release American Oak cask 280 Bottle Release.
OVEREEM
SINGLE MALT PORT CASK MATURED
Location: Tasmania ABV 43.0% | RRP $210 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Chocolate covered raisins, caramel, butterscotch, Turkish delight, crème brulee and plum pudding. Creamy, chocolate, mocha, spiced plum pudding, orange rind, wood smoke, Christmas cake, caramel, liquorice and malted barley, Vanilla bean and spiced raisins. Complex and Intriguing.
LARK
CLASSIC CASK SINGLE MALT
Location: Hobart, Tasmania ABV 43.0% | RRP $145 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Golden syrup and vanilla with hints of oranges and grapefruit. Plum pudding, Christmas cake, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and a wisp of Tasmanian peat smoke. Sweet vanilla transforms into a heady combination of orange peel, butterscotch, cloves, nutmeg and grapefruit. Butterscotch and citrus notes with a long, satisfying smoky finish.
NANT
SINGLE MALT (FRENCH OAK AND SHERRY CASK)
Location: Tasmania ABV 43.0% | RRP $165 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Rich and inviting. Hints of raisins, cinnamon, syrup and liquorice. Complex flavours of sultanas and ginger nut biscuits. Buttery caramel tones develop in the glass giving you an inviting Christmas-like feeling. A strong spice flavour, oak and hints of butterscotch.
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
17 YEAR SINGLE MALT
Location: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania ABV 43% DISTILLER’S NOTE: Citrus fruit, lemon-grass, and hay aromas. Soft body with citrus fruit skins and lemongrass. Smooth clean palate. Surge of mustard and pepper. This rare whisky is only available from time to time online by special request.
COMING SOON
SHENE ESTATE MACKEY
SINGLE MALT, TAWNY CASK MATURED (FRENCH OAK)
Location: Tasmania ABV 49.0% | RRP $280 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Malty, rich, toffee, spice and raisin notes – Christmas plum pudding. The palate is rich and full-bodied. Sweet, malty, brown sugar, it gives way to spices (anise, pepper, coffee), then finishes with dark stone fruit, apple and raisins. Good balance, smooth clean finish, with spicy dried fruit and vanilla aftertaste lingering. Making our own Shene Estate whisky wash on site allows us to enhance the flavour of our single malt whisky
LAUNCESTON
DISTILLERY SINGLE MALT WHISKY - APERA CASK MATURED
Location: Launceston, Tasmania ABV 46.0% | RRP $156 DISTILLER’S NOTE: An engaging fragrant aroma, with Apera influenced notes of dried fruit, spice and a hint of oak. Displays a soft mouthfeel and subtle dry Fino style flavours of fruit and gentle spice. A pleasant lingering finish.
KILLARA
SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Location: Tasmania ABV Varies | RRP $220 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Sweet with notes of caramel smooth, rich, hints of warming spice, dried fruits and malt. Long with full bodied mouthfeel. Each single cask release will be slightly different and released at the strength that allows the whisky to shine.
COMING SOON
MCHENRY
SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Location: Tasmania ABV 46.2% | RRP $280 DISTILLER’S NOTE: A youthful nose of citrus and vanilla. Soft on the palate, hints sweetness and rich, multi-layered flavours.
SPRING BAY
Location: Spring Bay, Tasmania ABV 58.0% | RRP $225 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Sweet and complex aromas suggest butterscotch and Christmas muscatels. Sweet caramel syrup and plum pudding spices join a clean, bright alcohol explosion which spreads across the palate to settle in and glow with some soft oaky tannins. Hints of cherry cordial and some nutty undertones that clearly displays.
BELGROVE RYE WHISKY
100% RYE
Location: Kempton, Tasmania ABV 46.5% | RRP $155 DISTILLER’S NOTE: Bright gold appearance. Immediately appealing and distinctive with its dill / pickle opening scents. Second pass offers chamomile tea, hints of boiled lolly, cedary oak and peppermint. A light, silky entry follows through to a super smooth and quite delicate profile featuring medium dry flavours of chamomile tea, sour dough bread and unusual notes of dill and caraway. Dry, mildly tannic finish. Aftertaste is subtle but shows good length
