3.75/5 6th March 2023 (modified from @drrhcmadden on Distiller)
In a collaboration with iconic Australian winery, Yalumba the Octave Barrels release has been matured in the world’s only red wine aged in 100 litre octave-sized barrels (Yalumba is the only winery in the southern hemisphere to handcraft barrels in their own onsite cooperage). These freshly emptied casks were filled in 2018 and left to mature till 2021 where they were bottles at 48% ABV with the release amount being undisclosed.
Nose: Warm and wholesome. A dry cigar box and old oak bring an earthiness to honey, flamed orange peel, and over stewed fruit. The vaguest hint of fermented banana also combines with a light toffee to make a soft profile.
Palate: Prickly and a little cloying, not what the nose suggested. Sticky brown sugar caramel adds richness; lashings of dry red wine and fresh red chilli add interest; and red fruit and apples add some freshness. The chilli is a little powerful and pushes the balance out slightly.
Finish: Medium-long. Lovely little perfume note, warm vanilla, some oak spice, and minced pie type bite.
OK Starward, we are getting somewhere! I like this, the only actively harsh part is the chilli heat on the mid palate. The nose, so much of my description sounds musty and acrid, but it was quite beguiling. I haventt smelt fermented banana since I was in the Ugandan jungle where I was invited to try banana beer. The beer was in a hole in the ground, made by throwing banana into muddy water and covering with big banana leaves and leaving in the sun. Disgusting, but like a car crash, couldn’t look away. The nose here; not as revolting, but it held my attention. The finish though, the gentle lift of a perfume was just wonderful. Quite complex and a great start if your are new to Aussie whiskies.
