13 Dec 2024
In a landmark moment for Australian whisky, Sullivans Cove Distillery proudly presents its most extraordinary creation: a 24-year-old single malt whisky, Single Cask No HB0085. As the last of the iconic "lost casks," this release offers a rare window into the early days of Australian whisky craftsmanship.
Years ago, five casks from the distillery’s formative years were rediscovered in a secluded corner of Tasmania, long thought to have been lost to time. While four of these casks were blended into a 21-year-old expression that went on to win Best Australian Single Malt at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards, the fifth cask demonstrated unique potential for extended maturation.
Heather Tillott, Sullivans Cove's Distillery Manager, along with her sensory team, nurtured this final cask with the utmost care. The whisky was transferred to an American Oak ex-Bourbon finishing cask to safeguard its delicate character and enhance its complexity. This meticulous process allowed the whisky to age gracefully while preserving the essence of its historical significance.
“By allowing time to reveal the heart of a spirit, we commit to working with the whisky rather than against it,” Heather explains. “Single Cask No HB0085 epitomizes this philosophy while representing a significant piece of Australian whisky history.”
Distilled in September 1997 and matured for 24 years, this American Oak single cask represents a milestone in the distillery’s legacy. Bottled at 49.6% ABV, it yielded only 132 bottles, making it an exceptionally rare offering that commemorates Sullivans Cove’s 30th anniversary.
The release will be available exclusively through a ballot system, opening at 10:00 AM AEDT on Monday, November 18, via the Sullivans Cove website. Mailing list subscribers will enjoy priority access.
Tasting this whisky is a journey through time. On the nose, warm aromas of ginger and gingernut cookies are complemented by strawberry musk, watermelon, and subtle notes of artichoke and olive brine. Pink liquorice and zesty grapefruit brighten the bouquet, while creamy hints of panettone and raspberry coulis provide depth. The palate is luxuriously velvety, revealing layers of apple, pear, kiwi, guava, and raspberry, balanced by rich banana and mango milkshake. Sweet grains and custard tart with passionfruit round out the experience. The finish is long and intricate, offering candied orange peel, honeyed cereal, and a delicate touch of banana liqueur, underscored by anise, coffee crema, and crostoli.
Single Cask No HB0085 is not only a tribute to Sullivans Cove’s three-decade journey but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for whisky aficionados to own a piece of Australian distilling history. Don’t miss your chance to enter the ballot and secure this extraordinary release.
For further details, visit Sullivans Cove Distillery.
