Single Cask French Oak – Ex-Fortified Semillon Barrel

Matured in a single unshaven and heavily charred French Oak cask which previously held Fortified Semillon, this whisky is rich, waxy, and decadent. Deep marmalade in colour, golden honey hues become evident on the edges of the glass when rolled.

The Fortified Semillon designation carries specific meaning. Semillon is among the most cellar-worthy white wine varieties; in its fortified form, as produced in the Hunter Valley and other Australian appellations, it develops a waxy, lanolin-like texture over time, with honeyed stone fruit and oxidative complexity. A cask that has held fortified Semillon carries that textural character into subsequent maturation. The result is not merely a wine influence but something more unusual: a richness that sits between fruit and wax, between sweetness and savour.

The unshaven stave surface is deliberate. Where shaved staves expose fresh oak to the spirit, unshaven staves retain the outermost layer of wood and its accumulated character. Combined with heavy charring, which creates a caramelised layer of wood sugars, the cask contributes both depth and textural complexity to the maturing spirit.

Tasting Notes

Nose. Bold and complex, orange peel, herbs, spices with notes of pie crust and popcorn. With time in the glass, further earthy notes evolve with hints of lemon and green papaya coming through.

Palate. The whisky furnishes the palate initially with marmalade, honey, dried muscatel grapes, and fresh orange peel. Subsequent sips introduce a slightly chewy mouthfeel, along with balancing flavours of rich buttery apricot, stewed pears, and cashew nut tannins.

Finish. Long, warm, creamy, and sweet with notes of creaming soda, dill, and apple, balanced with delicate acidity. One to savour alongside a considered food pairing.

Technical Details

Edition: 2.03

ABV: 46%

Cask type: Single cask, unshaven and heavily charred French Oak, ex-Fortified Semillon

Filtration: Non-chill filtered