Golan Heights Distillery Single Cask Single Malt Israeli Whisky (700ml)

'Golan Heights' is one of less than a handful of active distilleries in the country, founded in 2014 and located in the North. Canadian expat, David Zibell, owner, distiller and founder, operates two stills and has a symbiotic (and enviable) relationship with the nearby Golan Heights Winery which solves the problem of sourcing quality wine casks. x-Bourbon barrels are also used. Considering Israel shares a climate comparable to other 'new' whisky producers like Australia, India and Taiwan, you can expect these spirits to peak relatively young.

More from maltandoak.com on the creation and the insanely low outturn of this Single cask gem:

"In the early days of the [Golan Heights] distillery, casks were filled directly off the stills, and it took more than one spirits distillation to fill a 225 liter cask. This cask was filled with only 130 liters and placed in storage. David discoverer that he didn’t fill the cask all the way up only when he first looked at the spirit, at about 6 months. These were the very early days, and stock that was 6 months into the maturation was about a sixth of the way done, so refilling it and resetting the clock made no sense. Thus, the cask matured with only 130 liters, and three years later, with 17% gone to the angels, yielded only 109 liters. Due to the small amount, David chose to bottle the whole amount at 46% and not offer his customary 40 bottles (!) per cask at cask strength."

The vessel in question was first fill x-Cabernet French oak cask with a final yield of just 190 bottles - we have less than a handful on offer.

Tasting note: Deep gold / minor particles evident. Sweet oak and malt, evolving with muesli, Turkish Delight, rose water and dried cranberries. Lovely plush mouthfeel supported by warming spices; balsa wood and subtle green notes (juniper?) as well as flashes of bubble gum through the aftertaste. Excellent balance. Solid, youthful malt with references to Port matured Australian styles. 46% Alc./Vol.

*Please note: Due to the varying nature of this product, cask numbers cannot be guaranteed.