Remnant Whisky Co. The Golden Fleece Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)

"This has got to be one of the best value-for-money Tasmanian whiskies to be released in a long time" - Luke McCarthy, ozwhiskyreview.com.au

When an industry legend says a whisky is a "ball tearer" and "there are $250 whiskies around that are not as good”, it gets your attention. Then you find out it’s Tasmanian, selling for $100 and it’s impossible to believe. Tim Duckett is talking about the new Remnant: Ex-Nant (old stocks), unofficially a ten year old and, yes, it’s pretty damn good - even from the 50ml sample we received. Besides a creamy sweetness that pervades the nose and palate suggesting high quality Bourbon maturation with a generous dose of Apera or PX, it caresses the tongue with the kind of texture and softness you associate with much, much older whiskies. A hint of fruit conjures nectarine and cinnamon apple; the mid palate length is excellent, dovetailing into a slightly drier range as the malt pulls up and lingering vanillas and dried fruits are left in the fade. Long in the finish and at times, almost cognac-like, the Golden Fleece is sure to put a firecracker up many a Scots effort selling for $100 or more. Will the next batch come close? Will there even be a next batch? Don’t wait to find out. Almost too good to be true, this is bargain territory for drinkers. 14 casks bottled. 45% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The Remnant Whisky Company continue their rye, tongue in cheek reflection on the Nant whisky saga with the just-released ‘The Golden Fleece’. Love the name, love the price ($99/500ml), especially considering the component whiskies used for this batch are, as far as Remnant could tell, at least 10 years old. Whether you’re a Tassie whisky tragic or just keen on getting a taste of something complex and affordable (a rare combination from down there), this is great value drinking. This has got to be one of the best value-for-money Tasmanian whiskies to be released in a long time. - Luke McCarthy, OzWhiskyReview.com.au

Notes from the bottlers... Aromas of creme caramel, almond biscotti, and Meyer lemon with hints of tropical fruits and Turkish delight. On the palate pistachio nougat and toffee apple lead into a finish of sweet vanilla, gingerbread and raspberries dusted in icing sugar.

The story of Remnant is not the typical independent bottling tale. Initially it revolved around the acquisition of 300+ barrels of Tasmanian single malt whisky salvaged from the now infamous Nant barrel investment scheme. Founded by Belgrove's Peter Bignell and his good mate Phil Collidge, backed by a consortium, they purchased the remaining barrels and transferred them to Peter’s own bond stores in the central highlands of Tasmania where the whisky has quietly continued to mature. Those barrels now hold some of the oldest whisky produced in Tasmania. For Peter and Phil, Remnant Whisky is all about releasing great whisky that may not have ever seen the light of day, and returning value to the everyday Australian who invested their money and their heart into a broken scheme. The story of where this whisky started out is not a pleasant one, but through Remnant they have been able to restore faith in the Tasmanian industry. Remnant Whisky Co has risen out of the ashes and made it through adversity to become a beloved bottler. All of Remnant's production process is done by hand, from tasting each cask to the vatting and marriage of barrels, right through to the hand labelling and waxing of each bottle. On the whisky labels, Remnant likes to feature Australian animals that often are spotted in the Central Highlands of Tasmania near its bond stores, including Tasmanian Devils, Tawny Frogmouths, Platypus and farm stock like cattle and the humble Merino sheep which features on Remnant's latest release, The Golden Fleece.