Rochfort Distillery Maxwell Vintage Port Cask (MVP) Cask Strength Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml) - Gold Box

Rochfort are a South Australian family-owned distillery in the Hindmarsh Valley down near Victor Harbor who recently won Best Whisky in Australia as well as Best Craft Spirit in Australia at the Tasting Australia awards. At the time of writing, about ten different expressions were available, each matured in x wine casks from various South Australian producers - these range from ports, white ports, Muscats, x-mead casks, Shiraz casks and old Tawny port barrels.

The partner winery for this barrel comes from three generations of vignerons, all born and bred in McLaren Vale. Mark Maxwell inherited more than a love for the vine and the Vale. It’s in his blood to think beyond the ordinary. To build everything himself. To go against the grain, and even the grape. His family pioneered the mead industry in Australia and set the standard for honey wine globally.

Tasting note: [10ml sample] Sweet and heady aromas of honeycomb and sponge cake, vanilla and manuka honey. Really intense, beefy malt... Almond slice, dates and honey take out the finish with aplomb. From a measly outurn of just 28 bottles. A whisky of the lucky few. 64.2% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... The nose of this whisky is big and complex, and will reward the patient examiner. Jammy fruit notes featuring cherry, sultana and strawberry lead into warm spice and cigar box. Oak staves soaked in golden syrup linger in the background. The palate shines immediately with notes of juicy sultanas and spiced honey, while nutmeg and cinnamon invoke a baking Christmas cake. The finish is viscous and chewy, with nutty oak and hints of raspberry.