This whisky is a combination of the best, most active casks that Spirit Thief have distilled and have maturing in their warehouse in Tasmania. The Inaugural edition - Future Black - Directors Cut is designed to be a vision of what kind of whisky the Directors at Spirit Thief wants to produce in the Future in 2030 when they have more aged stocks to pick from. They just don't have enough casks mature enough to produce this vision outside of this limited edition yet but its a great sign if this is where they are heading. This is by far the best Spirit Thief whisky I've tasted - its also by far the most expensive as if it is a collectors item rather than something to be drunk and it's limited to 500 bottles bottled at 60%ABV. If they can consistently produce whiskies like this at decent volumes and $80-$100 cheaper then there is a very bright future ahead for Spirit Thief. Welchs Grape juice, toffee apple, lemon drizzle cake, toasted custard brioche, mars bar. Great luxurious mouthfeel much less wine cask influence compared to earlier Spirit Thief releases.
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.