Furneaux Distillery Sawyers Bay Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)

Other reviews... This well-balanced single malt displays a lovely soft nose of fudgy, Christmas pudding, Aussie Apera and a delicacy that belies its youth. Maybe it's wishful imagination, but there's a note of coastal grass and rain on rocks that speaks to the island home, along with powerful notes of ripe fruits, melon and red apple in particular, a hallmark of good Aussie single malt in the same way it's a hallmark of good Aussie pale ale. This whisky has a lot in common with other Tassie whiskies, so it is very recognisable for its region, but with no rough edges hiding under the oak - an unfortunately common problem on the Apple Isle - which shows a deft hand in the stillhouse and a careful nose in the blending room. The palate is light and approachable, with a fresh apple and mild tannin on the finish, giving this whisky the gravitas that the lovely nose deserves. While lacking the complexity or texture to be truly exceptional, it's a prime example of what makes Aussie whisky great and something I'd be proud to show off to anyone in the world. At $200 a pop, it's not cheap, but given the genuine craft approach taken here, the price is justified. If this is the quality they're producing this early in the game, there are very good things ahead for Furneaux. 94 points - Fred Siggins, winecompanion.com.au