SUNTORY Hakushu 18 Year Old 43% ABV Single Malt Whisky, Japan

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 years old reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824. When matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, our rich, fruity and full bodied ‘new make’ spirit is transformed into a classic single malt. The sherry seasoned oak cask delivers a rich and complex single malt characterised by spice and dried fruit flavours. Deliciously smooth, with rich dried fruits and sherry, balanced with woodsmoke and spice. Described by F Paul Pacult, the renowned international whisky writer, in his book Kindred Spirits as 'simply the best 12 Year Old single malt around'.

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 is Tasmanian whisky, proudly unique in character and style. Entirely made by hand with no more than 100 litres at a time, Lark's 58% Cask Strength expression is widely regarded as 'one of the world's best cask strength whiskies', winning numerous international medals and trophies. Surprisingly easy to drink at this strength, the whisky driven by a more rich malty alcohol, perfectly dominating the floral and crýme caramel notes to reveal layers of Tasmanian malt bursting across the palate, finishing with lengthy maple syrup sweet notes of highland peat and oily spice.

Michters is Americas first distilling company, dating back to 1753 when they started out making rye whiskey. They take a Cost Be Damned approach to the production of every barrel, using various methods including air drying their barrels for 36 months, toasting the barrels before charring them, using a low barrel-entry strength, heat cycling to encourage ageing during the winter. This Rye is a brilliant whiskey with fresh spice notes and a lingering soft finish.

Mars Iwai Tradition Japanese Whisky is soft and rounded, yet full bodied and mellow. The nose gives sweet honey, leading to a complex, peaty full bodied palate which gives sweet peat, orange marmalade, maple, burnt sugar cane, cedar and cigar.

One of only two whiskies available from the Mars range, the Mars Iwai Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky displays beautiful amber gold hues, with hints of rose. Light, floral and sweet on the nose, deepened by cherries, roasted coconut and dark cacao. Extra sweetness experienced with notes of honey suckle and marshmellows. Palate is soft, gingerbread, raspberry and spiced honey make for a delicious first sip. Underlying flavours of dried fig and allspice give it that extra kick. Wonderful finish of spiced port and ginger.