Corowa Distilling Co. Single Barrel No. 194 Cask Strength American Oak Wine Cask Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)

Dean Druce, the owner of Corowa Distilling Co. owned the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory in Wagga Wagga, which was also based in a restored flour mill. After a major overhaul and years of renovations, he's turned the Corowa site into something magical. With help from Head Distiller, Beau Schilg, the pair are now taking old tawny port, sherry and ex-bourbon barrels and filling them with fruity new make. With around two years minimum ageing, their work is already paying off with a series of super-charged single cask releases. Reports have it these gems are quite precocious, showing great balance despite their youth.

Barrel 194 is the second single barrel release with maturation taking place in a single red wine barrel. Bottled at a whopping 69.1% abv, this should please those who like them big and spicy. Just 140 bottles produced. Non chill filtered.

Notes from Corowa... Nose: Stewed fruit with honey caramel and notes of allspice. Palate: Balanced bitter chocolate with cereal sweetness. Finish: Medium with some lingering Christmas cake.