Heartwood Vat Out of Hell Cask Strength Vatted Malt Whisky (700ml)

The latest addition to this charasmatic collection of Aussie bottlings is a combination of a 10 year old Lark Sherry Barrel & 13 year old Tasmanian Distillery Bourbon Barrel. With "Just a bit" of peat influence, some reckon this to be Tim Duckett's finest moment. Only 320 bottles produced. Bottled May 2013. 67.4% Alc./Vol.

Tasting note: Flawless bright brassy gold appearance. Soft yet showing terrific depth, the aroma entices with vanilla and dried fruits and offers surprising restraint for such high ABV with barely a prickle. After aeration the bouquet turns more fruit and nut chocolate like. In the mouth it's initially soft, semi sweet and creamy, developing into a beautifully balanced whopper with gently bittersweet flavours of ginger, fresh horseradish and hints of dried fruit. Concludes dry and warming with the horseradish notes accompanied by lively spices and a subtle vanilla and caramel fade. Another intriguing Heartwood release to consider - and sooner than later. Just over 300 have been made available. 67.4% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Sweet barley sugar, hints of cinnamon, dried citrus peel, and other kitchen spices, like cloves…it’s dragging me in and my mouth is literally watering…very subtle oak, even subtler malt, but then, a slightly oaky/dirty sherry note appears, but as a positive not a negative. I have to say, a very stylish nose, great balance without too much “nasal burn” as my Neat Americans would say.
Has certain Lark characteristics about it. For F%^$k sake…I sound like an whisky expert…stop it…just taste it, you moron…
Yumbo! Sweet, sweet, honey, barley sugar, rich maltiness on entry, fruitiness builds, almost a glycerol feel, but it just shimmers down the palate, maybe falls a tad short but look at the width! Balancing alcohol, once again, Maestro Duckett knows how to balance big sweetness with crisp alcohol.. Gotta have a second glass…bigger hit of alcohol this time. Subtle oak and barley, but highly polished.
Lingering, honeyed oiliness, like you get out of a tokay or muscat. It’s bringing tears to my eyes… just swallowed it the wrong way…Well done mate, a knockout.
-Graham Wright, Whisky Importer & Enthusiast.size>