23rd Street Distillery Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)

There have been several iterations of 23rd Street's single malt, with different labels and ABVs, however this one now looks to be settled as a core range release. The large site housing the 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark was first built in 1914 by Chateau Tanunda, a major brandy producer, but was closed in 2004 until Bickfords Australia along with sister company Vok Beverages invested 6.6 million in the new venture, with help from a government grant. Initially, brandy-focused, vodka and a range of gins are also on offer. Distillate is derived from two pot stills built by Adelaide manufacturers H. Jennings in the 1950s. For the whiskies, x-Bourbon maturations are currently preferred.

Notes from the producers... Elegant aromas of toffee, lifted fruit and delicate vanillin oak trail into an evocative hint of wine cellar. The palate is full and lightly sweet, with citrus and apricot, bedtime malted milk, and a finish of butterscotch oak and lingering warmth. Produced from Kangaroo Island barley and matured in x-Bourbon casks. 46% Alc./Vol.

43% batch tasted... Brilliant gold. Rich, rounded aromas include gobstopper, ripe peach and banana over light vanilla and wood spice. Super pure with a deliciously fruity, off-dry delivery hinting at kumquat, pepper, cocoa and pencil shavings with a late rush of fig and banana confectionary before the oak closes in. Fruity and flavoursome. 91 points