Spirit Thief Distilling Co. American Oak Tempranillo Cask Limited Edition Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)

Spirit Thief began with two experimental casks filled with Tasmanian new-make spirit. It was a passion project of two bartenders that suddenly grew into something bigger when a miscommunication led to extra casks been delivered. They decided to commit more funds (even though they'd blown their budget), filled the casks with spirit and decided to work the rest out later. A trial period using sourced whiskies followed until the team finally invested in their own 1800 litre wash still and 800 litre spirit still designed and built by Peter Bailly of Knapp Lewer.

Backed by angel investors and new company directors, in January 2019, Co-founder Brett Steel began working as a brewer and distiller for the newly established White Label distillery in Huntingfield, Tasmania, under the guise of perfecting and refining Spirit Thief Distilling Co’s own spirit.

The current portfolio is about exploration in varietal specific red wine casks.

This high strength edition was matured in re-coopered American oak casks that previously held Tempranillo sourced from the Adelaide Hills. It opens with woody aromas of pencil shavings, fresh cut oak and cocoa giving this a lean, dry nose feel. The palate shows more of the malt with barely a hint of heat. Muted sugars and wood spices carry the aftertaste. Reminds you of a good young Bourbon. 52.3% Alc./Vol. 750 bottles produced.

Notes from the producers... This is a blood-orange, maraschino cherries, old-fashioned-cocktail of a single malt whisky. The aroma transports you to an underground speakeasy where jazz fusion harmonises with muffled conversation. On the palate is swathes of Turkish delight, berry compote, rich brown sugar, praline and madeira cake. The finish; long-lingering, dark and enduring like the last notes in the Club in the early hours of the morning dawn. Take me to Birdland!