4/5 6th May 2023 (modified from @drrhcmadden on Distiller)
The seventh iteration in the Small Batch programme, Chardonnay Cask is a single malt whisky that has been aged in French Oak barrels, that were sourced from the esteemed Yarra Valley and Margaret River wine regions. A combination of fresh and charred barrels that once held Chardonnay were filled with Starward spirit.
Nose: Lightly acidic and very buttery. Peaches and toasted brioche are the star performers with just a little touch of oak spice.
Palate: Richly creamy and full bodied. This is indeed Chardonnay; buttery oak, crisp gooseberry and light peach/apricot, a slightly woody caramel and white chocolate richness. Barrel spices of ground ginger, white pepper and cinnamon.
Finish: Long. Creamy slightly vanilla butter, a little drying tannic presence and plenty of remnant spice notes.
This drinks almost the same as the Hobart Chardonnay. The only real faults that I find are the spice notes are a little heavy by the end of the pour. Otherwise this is an elegant dram to savour and well worth checking out.