Sullivans Cove 17yo Old & Rare 2nd Fill French Oak Cask #TD0070 (700ml, 48%)

• Colour: 
• Nose: An immediate and pleasurable whack of date slice and sticky date pudding takes over the narrative, and all else that follows on the nose is layered with brown sugar. Tangelo peel, gingernut cookies and nutmeg give a bright but grounded spiced perfume, with talcum powder supporting; the telltale spice of French Oak. There’s a deeply sweet, earthy and herbal character to the mid and base notes, to the point of confection: cola, roasting beetroot, walnuts, banana bread, red jellybeans. A soft edge of dustiness tells us that this cask has seen many a moon rise.
• Palate: A full body emerges with creamy texture and very well integrated oak. A subtle hint at a Tawny past life pokes its head around a corner, and disappears again to make way for a gorgeous spirit and oak marriage: red jellybeans, black cat lollies (anise!), bright sherbet, candied kumquat, dark cherries, ginger jam and a lovely herbal note of bay leaf.
• Finish: The ginger continues through to the finish, born of the oak, but interestingly this too is a little spoken of trait of Sullivans new-make. The confection theme continues with again the black cat lollies and candied orange peel. Bay leaves re-appear, along with white pepper and a lovely sweet earthy note. A fun tropical burst sees dried mango and a hint of paw-paw amongst liquorice and a the sweet earthy note deepens into full blown herbal liqueur territory (almost Fernet-Branca-esque), which rides us off into the sunset.

Sullivans Cove Distillery, located in the picturesque region of Tasmania, is renowned for crafting some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world. Established in 1994, Sullivans Cove has risen to global prominence, earning numerous awards, including the prestigious title of "World’s Best Single Malt" at the World Whiskies Awards. The distillery's whisky is produced in small batches using traditional methods and Tasmania’s pristine natural resources, resulting in spirits that are rich, complex, and full of character. Each bottle captures the essence of Tasmania’s pure air, water, and climate, offering a taste of the island's rugged beauty.

What sets Sullivans Cove apart is its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Every whisky is aged in French or American oak barrels, allowing it to mature gracefully in the distillery's coastal environment. The result is a portfolio of highly sought-after whiskies, known for their depth of flavor, smoothness, and long-lasting finish. Visitors to the distillery can explore the whisky-making process firsthand, with guided tours and tastings that highlight the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Sullivans Cove has become a symbol of Tasmania's thriving whisky scene, representing the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in every drop.