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Old & Rare

24 Year Old American Oak Ex‑Bourbon

Cask Nº HB0085

$2,272.73 (AUD)
$2,272.73 AUD

In our 30th anniversary year, we are proud to release the last of our rare 'lost casks', a precious remnant of liquid history.

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Cask info

American Oak Ex-Bourbon

Some years ago, five casks from our distillery’s earliest days were discovered in a remote part of Tasmania, long considered lost to time. Four of these barrels were released as a 21 year old vatted expression, but the fifth and final cask displayed extraordinary potential for further maturation.

Recognising the fragility of both the oak and the liquid inside, Heather Tillott and her Sensory Team carefully nurtured the last cask, transferring the whisky into an American Oak ex-Bourbon finishing cask for the final stretch and returning it to bond. This approach allowed the liquid to mature gracefully, capturing its storied past while unveiling new layers of character.

American oak single cask HB0085 was distilled in September 1997 and decanted in September 2022 for a maturation of 24 years. Bottled at 49.6%, the final ‘lost cask’ yielded just 132 bottles. Each bottle comes in a handmade, solid oak presentation box, and includes a letter of authenticity signed by our Distillery Manager. It is a celebration of our journey and a rare moment for whisky lovers to experience the legacy of Australian distilling at its finest.

DETAILS
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Cask Nº

HB0085

Age

24 years & 5 months

Filled on

01/09/1997

Decanted on

28/09/2022

Bottles 132
ALC/VOL

49.6%

24 Year Old American Oak Ex‑Bourbon (HB0085)
24 Year Old American Oak Ex‑Bourbon (HB0085)

“This whisky is remarkably well-rounded and complex, not merely in a theoretical sense but practically, it is simply delicious. It embodies the essence of finishing spirit: a mindful marriage of elements that enhances rather than masks the inherent qualities of the liquid. The harmonious blend of fruit, sweet grain, and a briny richness showcases the spirit's depth. Extended time in oak has not diminished the spirit character; instead, it beautifully complements it, achieving a balance that highlights the best of both worlds. This is a piece of history that will elevate your understanding of excellent whisky, setting a new standard for what exceptional single malt can be.”

Heather Tillott, Distillery Manager

TASTING NOTES

  • Nose

    As you raise the glass, a wave of ginger greets you, evoking fresh gingernut cookies. Beneath this warm spice, notes of strawberry musk and ripe watermelon create a vibrant, fruity bouquet, deepened by savoury touches of artichoke and olive brine. Pink licorice and zesty grapefruit weave through, while the comforting scent of shortbread lingers softly. Baking spices like cinnamon, clove, and white pepper bring warmth, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sensation, layered with the essence of panettone and raspberry coulis.

  • Palate

    The first sip reveals a thick and velvety texture that envelops the palate. Bursting with vibrant flavours, it opens with a refreshing wave of apple and pear juice, followed by an explosion of kiwi fruit. Guava and raspberries join the medley, while the richness of banana and mango milkshake invites indulgence. Sweet grains provide a comforting backbone, harmonising beautifully with luscious notes of custard tart and vanilla slice drizzled with passionfruit.

  • Finish

    The finish is a delightful evolution, starting with candied orange peel, it transitions into the nostalgic comfort of whole-grain ceral, sweetened with honey and soaked in milk. A whisper of banana liqueur introduces a lovely hint of grunge, grounding the sweetness with an earthy quality. Anise seeds and creamy coffee crema round out the profile, while a wave of crostoli - those delightful Italian pastries - carries through, leaving an impressively long finish that lingers with warmth.

American Oak

Ex-Bourbon

Our American Oak ex-Bourbon expressions are matured in a barrel that has previously been used once to age bourbon. Our most awarded expression, American oak ex-Bourbon barrels carry notes of sweet vanilla, coconut and fruit salad.

All American Oak