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