Hobart Whisky Botrytis Cask Finish

Hobart number three. Here we have a three year ex-bourbon cask whisky finished in Tasmanian Botrytis casks for two and a half years. Hobart claim that this produces a rich foundation of sweetness and character with an infusion of intriguing florals and delicate riesling-esque tropical fruit. But wait, theres more… another six months back in American oak ex-bourbon to allow ‘the flavours to harmonise and reach their full potential’. Let’s find out. N: A heady bouquet meets me. Florals are everywhere, like walking through a meadow in bloom. The ABV is 52.2% and yet, I don’t know I’m nosing a cask strength whisky. Everything that follows is in equal measure: cereal, vanilla, raisin, bakery spices. I don’t get the riesling wine suggestion but I do get a little treacle, dry leafiness and a leathery citrus. One of the most complex things I’ve nosed. P: Sweet and wood-spice rich arrival. Earthy vanilla, porridge, creamy toffee. Sweet candied berries, some sherbet fizz (nothing like the previous Muscat finish though), almost a rye type spice profile, and a vegetal funkiness that adds a savoury depth. There is more here I suspect, its complex, and I’m not ashamed to admit it is likely beyond me to fully understand. Just picked up some fresh white peach too. F: Medium. Gentle and delicate pepper, Christmas mince pies, mocha. A little black tea bitterness. Wow. This is an ‘adult’ whisky if ever there were one, there are as many tasting notes to uncover here as whiskies there are to drink. The complexity is astounding and to be honest a little overwhelming. I don’t know if that is good or bad, but its one hell of an experience that much is sure. Both gentle and delicate it is also powerful and forthright. Water is a bad choice though, and makes things somewhat sticky and soapy and makes the nose a little sickly. Apparently this was released on the virtual this evening. I think even at the likely borderline AUD$200 price tag and 500 ml bottle that will be available, I’m going to need to get one. highly recommend this beguiling temptress even if the wood spice can at times come through a little heavy. Distiller whisky taste: #193 Note that prices are for 500 ml bottle. [No rocks, do not have the energy for thinking about six captions in one sitting this evening]. Hobart distillery running scores Signature Batch (#14): 2.75/5 Muscat Cask Finish: 2.75/5 Botrytis Cask Finish: 4.5/5

Australian Single Malt Whisky Tasting (Part 1), The Oak Barrel, Sydney 16 January 2020, Whisky #4 Nose: Fresh and full sweet aromas of cereal, vanilla shortbread, plums, baking spices and lightly fragrant fortified wine. There is no indication of high abv at all and no off notes. A rich but crisp nose. Palate: Sweet honeyed arrival with the botrytis cask finish being obvious. Toasted marshmallow, oatmeal cookies, creme caramel, and a touch of butterscotch supported by supple aged oak. Weighty, but delicate - firm, but elegant. The texture is creamy and excellent. Finish: Medium/long. Delicately sweet throughout. Hobart Whisky is produced by Devil's Distillery in Moonah, and inner-northern suburb of Hobart. Established in 2015 they hit the ground running and have already accumulated an impressive array of domestic and international awards, and have been well reviewed by some high-profile critics. More importantly, the local whisky community has enthusiastically embraced their releases. Maturation is typically in ex-bourbon casks, often with a short finishing in ex-fortified wine, pinot, tokaji, stout, rum and even maple syrup casks. This particular expression was a special limited release for The Oak Barrel's Sydney Whisky Fair in 2019 and was matured in ex-bourbon then finished in a re-coopered Tasmanian sauvignon blanc botrytis wine cask. The personality of this sweet dessert wine shows through in every aspect of the whisky but with a light-handed touch. It never becomes cloying or overbearing but rather it supports the rich malty character of the unadorned spirit and its sweetness completely masks the high proof (109.6). The addition of water brings out a little bitter spice on the palate and a floral but slightly soapy fragrance on the nose. I'd recommend taking this very easy to drink spirit neat. Like almost all Australian whisky this is expensive - $220 for a 500ml bottle - but it's one of the first I've tasted that I would actually consider buying at that price. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)