2000 Smiths Angaston 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

This latest release from the decommissioned Yalumba pot still was identified at the first barrel tasting of the 2000 vintage barrels. The decision was made to release it as a single offering, with the remaining barrels left to mature. The whisky was drawn from a three year old French oak cask that had previously held Chardonnay (the spirit was considered so big that distiller, David Zimmermann, felt minimal oak influence was the way to go). This extraordinary effort is limited to 336 bottles - a must try for anyone who has been following the Australian whisky scene over the last few years.

Tasting note: Yalumba's experiments with a decommisioned 1931 Brandy pot still sit very comfortably on the world stage. This is easily their most profound effort and ranks as one of the best Australian whiskies ever made. Attractive deep gold, burnished brass colour. Nosing reveals a plush amalgam of ripe malt, sweet dried fruits (almost marmalade like) followed by vanillan oak and Indian spices. Mouthfilling and achingly intense, the palate repeats the sweet dried fruits but this time beautifully counterpointed by drying oak with an enormous spice flourish. Warm and mildly prickly, yet with excellent balance at cask strength, the length barely abates into the profoundly long aftertaste of honey, biscuit, sultana, sweet cereals, cafe creme and spice. At times remisicent of a heavily Sherried Scotch Single Malt. With the addition of water the texture becomes wonderfully soft & creamy. Very limited stocks. 53.2% Alc.Vol.