SMWS notes: We imagined having cream tea in a rose garden with fresh juicy strawberries, peaches, crème caramel, butterscotch, and cinnamon spiced banana cake. A lovely tingling of white pepper on white chocolate surprised us on the palate, before honey buttered hot cross buns and orange spiced Turkish delight arrived. With a drop of water, a juicy, fruity and a lightly menthol scent emerged, cherry chocolate, mango coulis and candy cigarettes or chocolate sticks covered in white paper (oh those innocent days!). On the palate; vibrant and fresh like a green fruit salad prepared with honeydew melon, Granny Smith apples, Bartlett pears and green grapes in a honey-Dijon dressing.
In classic Australian style, this whisky has absolutely rippled flavour out of its cask. However, while I was expecting spiky youth in the spirit and the abv, it drinks with a maturity and ease that belies these facts. I have since bought two bottles. Absolutely delicious and as good, if not better, than it’s Scotch peers
Nose: A rich herbal aroma intertwined with bonfire smoke, evoking imagery of a seaside campfire. Notes of sea salt, struck matches, and subtle roasted orange peel linger behind the smoky veil.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a distinct oily texture. The high proof delivers a robust entry, blending sweet spices with peat, accented by a faint trace of sulfur.
Finish: Long and warming, with persistent ashy smoke and briny sea breeze. Hints of matchstick and a delicate iodine note round it out.
With Water: The aroma reveals pronounced wet sea salt and brine, with the smokiness softening into a rounder profile. Vanilla and oak emerge prominently. On the palate, the sweetness persists, with the peat becoming less intense, giving way to caramelized oak and fruit notes.
A gentle giant. This old grain whisky doesn’t try to shout, but it has plenty to say if you’re listening. A soft, elegant dram with aged sherry cask influence, balancing fruit, leather, oak, and just a whisper of tobacco. If you’re chasing subtle complexity over brute strength, this hits the mark.