Bladnoch Alinta Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Alinta is the first peated whisky added to the range since the distillery was taken over by David Prior in 2015. Alinta, an indigenous Australian word from several Southeast Australian language groups means fire and flames, and evokes the notes of Campfire Embers found in each sip. This expression utilises PX Sherry and ex-bourbon casks combined together with a sweet smoky peated spirit, sets Alinta apart from anything previously released by Bladnoch.
Westward Strength American Single Malt Whiskey
Unfettered, upstanding, and uncut, this whiskey reflects the robust flavours built in every step of Westward’s long, slow process. Westward’s original American Single Malt, reimagined and offered at cask strength. This whiskey best reflects the skillful finesse of Westward’s talented team of brewers-turned-distillers and the beauty of the bounty of the American Northwest. Cask Strength accentuates the rich, locally malted barely, the flavourful beer created in-house with a proprietary ale yeast, and the newly charred American Oak barrels matured to perfection in Oregon, the ideal environment to raise a world class whiskey. Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength reflects toasted almond, graham cracker, and black pepper aromas. Flavors include sesame, tobacco leaf and cacao, with a honeyed, deep fiery malt finish.
Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 16 year old is aged for 16 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, then matured for several months in port wine barrels. The unique maturation process gives this single malt its distinct notes of juicy fruits, nuts and spice, as well as a hint of ruby redness. Its best enjoyed neat or over ice.
Jack Daniel's Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel's is one of the very few Tennessee Whiskies that is charcoal mellowed. Jack Daniel's has a smooth aroma and flavour of vanilla, toasted oak and caramel translates well to the palate. A true American icon that has not only become a favourite here in Australia because of their flavoursome whiskeys, but also with their involvement in V8 Supercar racing with the Jack Daniel's Racing Team. Available here in a convenient 1L bottle.
Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Small Batch Rare Release Strength Straight Rye Whiskey
Note: ABV will vary from batch to batch. An American Whiskey gem and a five star bargain. Highest recommendation. 2020 batch tasted... [15ml sample] A bouquet you can really get lost in... Opens like fresh rye sour dough, turns vaguely herbal (caraway / dill) and follows in a mesmerising combination of apple mint, balsa wood and heavy vanillas. Mouthcoating, oily rye on entry. Astringent and classically spiced-up at mid palate. Mints and cherry chocolate through the finish. Seamless and sophisticated. Stays with you. Fabulous rye. 54.5% Alc./Vol. Previous batch tasted: [30ml sample] Brilliant bronze / new copper penny colour. Initial pass finds aromas of cherry ripe chocolate bar, poached peaches and vanilla. Further air contact accents white pepper, applemint and oak shavings. The lusciously toasty, perfectly-rounded delivery has impeccable wood selection written all over it: Bittersweet spices challenge the sheer weight of the rye but the grain wins out in a rush of oils, dried peach, dark rye and peppermint. Remarkably accessible at natural strength, the aftertaste turns peppery, oaky, then intensely grainy and long. Some found this a 'fruitier' / more Bourbensque style compared with the 55.8% ABV bottling. Wins on length as the flavour rebounds over minutes. Highest recommendation. 54.5% Alc.Vol. 95 points
Few Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Paul Hletko, who launched 'Few Spirits' in 2011 is a man in pursuit of flavour. Hence, his new micro distillery is perhaps best defined by what it doesn't make - vodka. His delicious White Whiskey, which we tasted in 2014, was a positive sign of things to come. His barrel aged whiskeys (Bourbon and Rye) hit the Australian market soon after, and just got better and better. In the 2021 Bourbon you can smell and taste the impact of extra age and experience. Flavours are more integrated and confidently defined, the texture creamier and richer, particularly at the finish where lashings of vanilla malt and dark chocolate coat the tongue. High quality American oak adds a fine astringency to the finish as minor grains peek through, though rye is most salient. Combining length, balance, body and persistence, it's no stretch to say this is a step up from many a Kentuckian. 46.5 Alc./Vol. From a mash bill of 70% Corn, 20% Northern Rye and 10% 2-row malt.
Isle of Harris The Hearach Batch 2 with
Few Straight Rye Whiskey
Whisky Advocate Award: Craft Whiskey of the Year. Another new batch to FEWs line up is a majority-rye married with the sweetness of corn for a 'softer' interpretation. First encountered back in 2015, this is now pretty seamless as far as ryes go: All the signatures of the grain are clearly expressed, from the wisps of apple and mint through the nose, to the juicy mouthfeel and pepper streak through the finish. The texture is fabulous, the length sustained by oily rye and peppermint chocolate. It's an impressive new batch, and a seriously solid rye by any measure. 46.5% Alc./Vol. First tasted 2015: Pale gold colour is slightly turbid. Offers up scents of beeswax over stewed apple and cinnamon. Time in the glass yields hints of white pepper and cut grass however the focus remains on the mouth watering, apple strudel like qualities. Light, supple entry develops into a concentrated, juicy, beeswax profile framed by firm rye spices accentuating towards the finish which is momentarily rye bread-like, trailing off beeswaxy, dry and closing a little short. Quite compelling. 91 points