In this article, we drink through six different whiskies from four different producers, each of which is targeting a distinctly different market segment. This includes a premium release by Jack Daniel's, a $70 Australian whisky from Morris, three limited releases from Highwayman, and a unique maple cask rye whiskey from Hudson.
This is what we thought:
Morris Distillery: 36 South
About: Referencing the latitude of the distillery, 36 South is a double grain whisky produced at Morris in Victoria. We expect this whisky to make waves making a full bottle of Australian whisky accessible at $70 RRP.
Our thoughts: “A light golden honey appearance, followed by coconut, cashew and cream soda. Lightly toasted oak imparts a vanilla palate with glazed cinnamon.”
Who’s it for: “The Australian whisky drinker that is looking for the traditional 700ml bottle at an affordable price point, but there’s much more to this than purely hitting a price. This will appeal to those wanting to lengthen the drink with a mixer and also those wanting to sip it neat.”
ABV: 40%
Owner/Distributor: Casella Family Brands / Copper and Grain Distilling
RRP: $70 for 700ml
Jack Daniels Triple Mash
About: The second instalment of Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series, a blend of Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye Whiskey (60%), Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey (20%), and Jack Daniel's Bonded American Malt Whiskey (20%). First launched to Aus in August, but will achieve broadscale availability this October.
Our thoughts: “A blend of rye, American malt and bonded Tennessee whiskey with a minimum of four years. The rye is evident and leans into a honeyed nose with light spice. Candied banana, vanilla and butterscotch. The palate has layers of spice, rounded by the malt sweetness and dried fruits. And honey. A deep long finish that continues to deliver.”
Who’s it for: “Probably best suited to JD drinkers looking to shop up for a special occasion. Will be the sort of bottle consumers who usually buy the standard JD will eye off each time they walk into store up until that birthday or event.”
ABV: 50%
Owner/distributor: Brown-Forman
RRP: $110
Hudson Maple Cask Rye Whiskey
Our thoughts: “The traditional rye whiskies made in New York prior to prohibition are revisited in this fresh approach. Double distilled rye grown locally in New York state then aged in new charred oak barrels before being finished in used whiskey casks that held maple syrup. A lovely balance between rye spice and maple sweetness bottled at cask strength. Hard to find in Australia now but worthwhile if you do.”
Who's it for: "A premium, unique style whiskey suited to a whisk(e)y bar or premium whisky retail setting."
ABV: 46%
RRP: $120 per 375ml
Owner/distributor: William Grant & Sons owner. Not distributing in Australia. Available on some websites such as The Whisky List and Barmania.
Highwayman Treacherous Radicals
About: Cask - Fortifieds, Teq, Maple, Coffee, PX. Spirit - LBD + Global
Our thoughts: “Almond and a lightly honeyed nose, finished at 46.5% using Apera finished in tequila and non-peated tawny and red wine casks. And to top it off the liquid is given a little extra time maple syrup casks, coffee casks and finally a PX Sherry cask. Warm cocoa roasted mixed nuts, dried dark fruits and Jaffa, Creamed honey and coffee cake. Finishes salty and savoury, lingering with a mocha earthiness.”
Who’s it for: “There’s not a lot of this (or of the other two releases below) going round, but it’s well worth the effort for the dedicated whisky lover. Dan Woolley is the brains behind the whisky and there are few with his knowledge and background in the whisky industry. His passion for creating delicious whiskies is evident from the moment you meet him, and the distillery is worth a visit too, next time you’re in Byron.”
ABV: 46.5%
RRP: $99 per 500ml bottle
Owner/distributor: Direct
Highwayman Dark Side single malt whisky
About: Cask type - PX/PX Stout. Spirit - LBD Peated
Our thoughts: “As the name suggests there’s dark chocolate and Black Forrest cake on the nose followed by dark salted chocolate. Mocha and burnt coffee with saltiness balancing a lightly smoked palate. Very limited release.”
Who’s it for: Whisky explorers - along with the other Highwayman releases, this is best suited those looking to explore premium, high-quality examples of whiskies pushing the boundaries.
ABV: 55%
RRP: $249 per 500ml bottle
Owner/distributor: Direct
Highwayman Whisky Coffee Maple
About: Cask - Coffee cask. Spirit - Global
Our thoughts: “Burnt coffee and maple sweetness up front, another fascinating example of maple finishing rounding out the palate. The integration with coffee seasoned casks brings a mid-palate of earth coffee finishing off beautifully with a light smoke and dark chocolate.”
Who’s it for: “Explorer whisky consumers, but also has potential for any coffee fans. For example, for someone who tends to drink coffee liqueurs but is looking for something different, or for a customer who is a barista by trade.”
ABV: 35%
RRP: $89 per 500ml
Owner/distributor: Direct
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