Tastes

Buttered corn with a touch of burnt maple, strong charred notes with a little vanilla. It’s ok.

Fannys Bay is probably my favourite Tassie whiskey, and not just because the owners Matthew and Julie are amazing and have created a great range. The port cask is simply stunning, even at 63% ABV. On the nose you’ll find eucalyptus like lost tassie whiskey, shortbread, and dried dark fruits. Maybe hints of dark chocolate and mint - like an after dinner Andes or After8 mint. On the palette, it is like a good Christmas pudding. Dried fruits, caramel, spice cake and icing. There is a creamy mouthfeel, which combined with the pudding flavour is just fantastic after dinner. Definitely a sipper and one to share with special friends.

Going to see Matthew and Julie at Fanny Bay distillery is a real treat! During our visit we were able to try their new make whiskey, and wow! It’s high proof but so smooth and tasty you’d think it was aged and a lot lower in strength. On the nose you’ll find notes of apple and raisin crumble with vanilla ice cream, and a touch of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. With a little more air, it smooths out to fruits and cream with eucalyptus and mint. On the palette your find a nice blend of burn and sweetness, with spices and white pepper. This stuff is just flat out fantastic for a new make! Though Fannys Bay is a small distillery and Matthew runs the whole show, it is a great experience to see his homemade stills and their incredible range. If you find yourself in Tasmania, go see them!

A tasty traditional Tassie whiskey. Spice and citrus on the nose, bread, cereal, nutmeg and cinnamon on the palate. Gentle burn. Nice neat.

Browned butter and toffee flavours - not surprising coming from the corn. A little spicy like a rye. Overall not bad

Ok, pleasantly surprised by this. As an ALDI private label - and the super cheap price point - I was quite skeptical. But I got it as a gag gift so I figured I’d give it a go anyway. I read online that one of the sources is William Grant and Sons in Scotland, maker of Balvenie and Glenfiddich. Nose is a bit harsh and astringent at first, but some elements of cinnamon and creme brûlée can be found. Opens up and softens with some air. On the palette, a little bit of toffee, baking spices, and butter. Thin on mouthfeel. Finish is very short and disappears. I can definitely taste the Spey side flavours, which are the ones I like anyway. Give the dram a little time in the glass and the air brings out predominantly honeyed sweetness. It’s rather one note, but it’s not a terrible note. Very easy drinker, could be a cheap daily dram. Even better that It’s easy to find at ALDI here in Australia. Guess I’ll keep the bottle after all!

Buttery spices on the nose, like gingerbread cookie batter. On the palette, sweet whipped cream and brown sugar with hints of nutmeg or cloves. Marvellous.

On the nose: mint, berries, baking spices. On the palette, Rich Apple pie with dark caramel and nutmeg, cereal, malt, hints of burnt edges of a cake. Would be grand for the holidays if it’s cool outside.

On the nose flavours of maple syrup covered pancakes. On the palette, Slightly Smokey, sweet, light berry muffin notes. Water opens up ashy flavours of peat smoke and reduces sweetness