Manly Spirits "Coastal Stone" Elements Series Pinot Cask

Manly Spirits Inaugural Release Virtual Tasting, October 6th 2021, Sample #4 Nose: Oaky with light red wine notes (berries, cherries, stewed plums). The dry-glass aroma is earthy with a slightly “sweaty” quality (but in a good way). Palate: Dry arrival, oak and red fruits but with an overall astringent character. Dried strawberries, stewed rhubarb, sour cherries in syrup with a little citrus juice, ginger and a hint of roasted almonds. Tannins emerge mid palate and build into the finish. Finish: Medium. Mildly astringent fruity oak. The second work-in-progress whisky tasted on the night. It has been matured (so far) for 4 years in 1st fill Australian pinot-noir casks coopered from French oak. I’d guess they were fresh and not re-toasted. I don’t know when this is slated for release but I’d think it will only improve with another year or two. If it had a touch more softness this could be the best whisky in their range. It has more fullness and presence on the nose than the other whiskies in their portfolio with red-wine notes clearly discerned as red fruits, however it is still a light and delicate dram on the palate and certainly not a “wine bomb”. I did note that this was not improved by the addition of water. It’s 50% abv is less obvious than that of the bourbon cask expression and I much preferred it neat. Apart from its dryness, which seemed just a bit prominent, I thought it was the most interesting whisky of the night and was only tipped for the number one spot by the bourbon cask whisky, however with time I think this could take pole position. I'm giving them the same rating here as either might seem better depending on individual palates. If this continues to improve I’d maybe buy a bottle when it is released, and I'd anticipate it will also be $200. “Above Average” : 81/100 (3 stars)