Cape Byron The Original Single Malt Australian Whisky
Co-created by one of Scotland’s most awarded Master Distillers, Jim McEwan, together with Cape Byron Distillery Co-founder and distiller Eddie Brook are two new Australian takes on a classic Scottish single malt. Many readers will already know of Jim McEwan who has more than fifty years of experience in the whisky business, having worked at Bowmore for 38 years, before overseeing the rebirth of Bruichladdich and most recently helping to get new Islay distillery, Ardnahoe, off the ground. Two editions are on offer: A Chardonnay barrelled limited edition, and this, the Cape Byron 'Original', aged in Scotland's traditional vessel of choice: American oak x-Bourbon casks. Says Brook, “They go together like a match made in heaven. [The whisky is] not overly dominated by the oak, it’s letting the spirit sing, and we’re seeing this marriage.” What partly accounts for the distinctive style is that the pair have resisted the temptation to use smaller barrels to ‘accelerate’ the ageing process. It's the opposite approach of most Australian distillers. “...We’ve got this climate that gives us faster maturation. Now that’s great, but it can also get too much, you can get too much tannin and then over-oaking in your whisky, ” Brook explains. "To avoid this, we only mature in full format barrels, between 200 to 300 litres in size". Specially designed warehousing facilities further offset Byron’s temperature extremes. According to McEwan, another factor is the distillery's proximity to the coast. “Walk down the barrel room... you’re getting that marine character and influence coming through" he says. "That moisture is falling on the oak staves, and slowly but surely, there’ll be a residue of salt and eventually as the whisky moves in and out, as the temperature increases, the alcohol will expand and it will touch the salt, and pull it back, and that brings a unique marine freshness to the spirit – quite different from anything else...” No surprise that McEwan reckons fans of Bruichladdich might taste some similarities in the Cape Byron spirit. “They’re not dissimilar. There’s no peat, [Eddie’s] using American oak, I used a lot of American oak Bourbon casks as well. I’ve used wine casks – and you’ve got all the wine casks there. There’s a similarity there between what I was doing in Islay and what Eddie’s doing here." As for the taste? Can't say there are many like this - either here or abroad - but you can appreciate why McEwen draws comparisons with Bruichladdich. Cape Byron's Original is a creamy, near voluptuous malt that defies its age. Peaches and cream come through with sweet barley and shortbread on the nose. The co-mingling of dried mango and juicy malt with the Bourbon vanilla aspects is nicely done, and there's a spicy edge adding vibrancy. At the finish, more peaches and cream, dried mango and a little grilled pineapple, pepper and coastal freshness develop. It's a whisky less about overt complexity, all about generous mouthfeel and precocious flavour. No doubt that equation will change over time. Right now, the creative forces behind the project have guaranteed one of the more compelling Aussie releases in recent years. Matured for three years in 200 litre ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks. 47% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 001 tasted. Notes from the producers... The colour of a Byron Bay sunset. The palate offers soft vanilla, creme brulee and biscotti characters, layered over distinct notes of pear, coconut and buttery macadamia.
Lark Symphony Blended Malt Whisky
Symphony No. 1 is the first blended malt from the House of Lark, representing a composition of exceptional Tasmanian single malt whiskies. Crafted from a symphony of complementary casks, Head Distiller Chris Thomson has expertly woven the complexity of American oak bourbon with the balance of sherry and heavier depth of port to form a creamy, oily melody of flavours; a malt whisky thats full of life from start to finish and carries the uncompromised signature of Lark Whiskya Tasmanian icon.
Mars Iwai Wa Bi Gin
WABIGIN literally means beautiful Japanese woman. The producer, Hombo Shuzo, has spent considerable time and effort that has resulted in the creation of a unique and truly premium Japanese Gin. All 9 botanicals are grown locally in Kagoshima Prefecture in South Japan on the island of Kyushu. It is aromatic, fresh and an elegant style of Gin with its unique Japanese element.Limited release.
Morris Rutherglen Signature Single Malt Australian Whisky
The Signature expression shows bright topaz hues on appearance which open a door to orchard fruit profiles, macerated black cherry and biscuit notes balancing the zest of marmalade jam, lingering cocoa and dark-berry flavours. Prize winning fortified barrels impart an unrivalled finish of intense dried fruit with a supremely rich depth of character. COLOUR: Bright Topaz Hues NOSE: Orchard fruit profiles, macerated black cherry and biscuit notes. PALATE: Extremely well rounded with a pleasant mouth feel. Zesty marmalade jam, lingering cocoa and dark-berry flavours. FINISH: Prize winning fortified barrels impart an unrivalled finish of intense dried fruit with a supremely rich depth of character that lingers on the palate.
23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky
XXII the connoisseurs' range from 23rd Street Distillery explores rare territory with our signature adventurous spirit. This 100% Australian Single Malt Whisky has been patiently biding its time. Australian Pale Malt, distilled in our towering twin copper pots and aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon American oak. Matured to an assertive, balanced complexity over four Riverland summers. Due to its Southern hemisphere birth, swirl anti-clockwise in the glass to waken its slumber and unlock sensory treasures including honey, tangerine, cardamom and brioche.
Hendrick's Gin
The iconic medicine bottle shape of the Hendrick's Gin lets you know that you're in for a quality Gin experience and with Hendrick's you get an unexpected infusion of cucumber & rose petals that results in a most iconic Gin. Mix with Indian tonic water for the classic G&T and use in your next martini.
Tanqueray No 10 Batch Distilled Gin
Since 1830 Tanqueray Gin has been made from the highest quality spirit and finest botanicals picked at the peak of their freshness, to give this spirit its distinctly revered taste. The only Gin in the World Spirits Hall of Fame, it is made from the highest quality spirit and finest botanicals and delivers distinctly citrus flavours of grapefruit, oranges and limes. An authentic Martini is not complete without 'Tanq 10'.
Truffle Mad Gin
The first paddock to pour truffle gin made with fresh black truffles grown on our family farm in Australias picturesque Southern Highlands. Starting with our fresh truffle as the hero, we infuse unique Australian botanicals such as Kangaroo Island Honey and Tasmanian Mountain Pepper, plus a few other secret spices, to achieve an out-of-this world aromatic experience.
Kyoto Distillery Ki No Bi Dry Gin
KI NO BI (The Beauty of the Seasons) is inspired by tradition and distilled, blended and bottled in Kyoto. We collaborate with the craftsmen and artisans of Kyoto who refine their skills in the legacy of the generations before them, working continuously in the cultural heart of Japan. Japans first dedicated gin distillery was founded with the sole intention of creating the finest gin possible: made from rice spirit and, wherever possible, using locally sourced botanicals, including yuzu, gyokuro tea and sansho pepper. The Founders are inspired by Kyoto culture, art, craftmanship and agriculture.
Karu Distillery Lightning Gin
This is a BIG gin so be ready! Double juniper gives a bold & not to be ignored entrance followed by 3 tiers of citrus spark offering butter and sweet profiling. Herbaceous and earthly floral leaves notes of garden rain on the palate.