Whitton Malt House x Corowa Distilling Company - Single Malt Australian Whisky American Oak Port Cask Solera: Volume 1. 55.3% ABV, 500mL, $120 per bottle.
Whitton Malt House is a relatively new venture down here in the Riverina (give or take 5 years old), but through Voyager Malts they supply malt to a number of breweries and distilleries; the best known being Archie Rose. This is their first collaboration with someone they supply, using the sherry Solera method for Australian whisky. It is a blend of 4 and 5 year old whiskies from Corowa Distillery.
To quote Ron Burgundy, the colour is a rich mohogany. Since it was 36 degrees here today and the whisky is 55.3% ABV, the initial nose was pure alcohol. I bunged it in the fridge (in glass) for 20 minutes to bring the temprature down to something more palatable. The nose now is almost pure hot caramel (the alcohol still pokes its head through) with a very good whiff of that American oak at the end. The nose suggests a whisky I will love, something in the vein of GlenDronach, but that tried in vein to survive boxing with someone like Mike Tyson. The initial taste is quite different, almost earthy but still sweet. My mind goes straight to licorice, toffee and Maduro cigar tobacco.
Once cut with a few teaspoons of cool water, the nose opens up considerably. The caramel is still there, but it is gentle. The oak becomes light. In its place are some classic whisky notes, the biggest being sultanas. Nutmeg and an almost "cannoli" scent come through, even a whiff of Creme Anglaise. The palate belies that, on the bolder side of an approachable whisky: malted toffee pushed to within seconds within being burnt, well roasted sweet potato and a finish that continues the roasted vegetal theme of nicely done carrot. This is a unique whisky. Tasty.
