From Country to Coast Black Gate & Fleurieu Distillery Collaborative Australian Blended Malt Whisky (700ml) - Batch 2

Another sultry blend of two contrasting malts. Is it chance that these two distilleries complement one another so well? Or is it more to do with careful blending and considered barrel selection? Both source heavily peated barley through Bairds Maltings in Aberdeen. Both have established a reputation for high quality very early on. At Fleurieu, where the blending is done, selecting and 'marrying' barrels is almost an every-day job. Putting it all together, it's no surprise that the result is so good (again). For 'Collab Batch 2', one Apera cask filled with new make from Black Gate Distillery in Mendooran NSW was combined with a Tawny cask filled with Fleurieu's new make from Goolwa in South Australia. The resulting whisky has beautifully expressive aromas of citrus lozenge, Fishermen's Friends, peppermint, cedar wood, sweet smoked meats and varying shades of earthy peat. Comparisons to batch #1 are easy - the focus is on sweet, oily barley and wood smoke, the finish again ends with an earthy-yet-fresh coastal character that reminds you of Campbelltown malts or medium peated Bruichladdich. Up there with some of the better integrated and more complex Australian whiskies to date. 300 bottles produced. 48% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the distillery... The deep mahogany hue carries forward a nose of solid peat smoke upon a bed of raisins, spice and vanilla. It offers an inviting multilayer complexity of peat mixed with signature Apera and Tawny barrel characters. Immerse yourself in the wispy smoke over briny coastal iodine and sweet country infused malt and umami. This balance and integration mingles well through to the end, beckoning another sip to savour. Whether you are in the county or on the coast, or anywhere in between, this ground-breaking release is a celebration of coming together after unprecedented times as we all look forward to what 2021 brings.