Sullivan’s Cove is the first Australian whisky I’ve tried. This single malt is distilled by Tasmania Distillery using Tasmanian barley and pure rainforest water. The Double cask version is a marriage of one American oak barrel (ex-bourbon) and one French oak barrel (ex-Port wine). Both are also available as separate bottlings at 60% ABV.

Sullivan’s Cove Double Cask
(40%, OB 2010)

Nose: once it opens up, lovely sweet fruit appears (grapes, apple pie, gooseberry). Quite oily, with hints of scented candle wax and even hints of motor oil. Some cinnamon and subtle vanilla. White chocolate. Fresh wood chips and dusty cereals. Mouth: still quite an oily mouthfeel. Round, malty and fruity although the oak is a little heavy, with faint hints of varnish. A hint of leather. Not too complex. Finish: medium length, still heavy oak.

Sullivan’s Cove Double cask is a smooth single malt, but in today’s market it’s not exceptional. While the distillery claims this is their best so far, most reviewers seem to give higher scores to the other versions. The distillery definitely shows some promise. Around € 60.

Score: 76/100