Product Information:
Sullivans Cove French Oak has become a legend. This is one of the most sought-after whiskies in the world, and the style that put the Australian whisky industry on the map after winning World’s Best at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014, and again in 2019. Aged in French Oak ex-Tawny barrels, this whisky embodies the coming together of Sullivans Cove Distillery and our powerhouse Australian fortified wine industry with rich flavours of Christmas spice, chocolate, and dark dried fruits. As a single cask bottling, every tiny batch is different, expressing the unique characteristics of each barrel.
Aged for 10 years, 5 months, in a 300 litre, French oak ex-Tawny cask, TD0409 is a classic example of the Sullivans Cove French Oak ex-Tawny style. Bottled unflocked and unfiltered at 47.1% abv this cask produced a mere 359 bottles. An array of rich fruit and flavour, heightened by sea spray characters that come so effortless to Sullivans Cove. TD0409 masterfully blends savoury undertones and firm oak structure. From the musky and forest floor notes to the juicy fruit-laden palate and lingering finish of mandarin and Madeira, TD0409 is tremendous.
Maker:
In 1994, on remote island at the far end of the world, a distillery was brought to life from humble beginnings. Away from the whisky establishment, Sullivans Cove were free to explore and perfect their process. Informed by the past and inspired by possible. Bringing a distinctly Tasmanian twist to a whisky craft, shaped by centuries of practice. 20 years later, their commitment to carefully crafting exceptional whisky, inspired by nature and patiently aged, was rewarded when Sullivans Cove was named the World’s Best Whisky. Overnight the secret was out. Special things were quietly happening on this small 'Apple Isle', and whisky lovers globally were intrigued.
In a world of instant gratification and impatient consumption, Sullivans Cove offer an alternative. Genuinely rare whisky which can’t be rushed and which can never be replicated.
Philosophy:
Distilled in Hobart, Tasmania, Sullivans Cove single malt is made using traditional methods and 100% Tasmanian ingredients. Inspired by nature and patiently aged, the distillers aim to seek the sublime. Each cask is nurtured to it's natural peak, thousands of tiny decisions go into helping each cask reach its full potential. No two batches will be the same and every batch an opportunity for exploration.
Tasmania has some of the cleanest water in world, making it an ideal place for producing world class whisky. Tasmania also has some of the best barley growing land in Australia. The combination of good water and good grain is the foundation of all high-end whisky.
100% Tasmanian malted barley is used to make all Sullivans Cove whiskies. The wash is brewed locally by brewers with decades of experience before being double distilled in a unique, Tasmanian built pot still (lovingly called Myrtle). The first distillation, known as the "wash run" produces "low wines" of about 20% abv. The low wines are then put back through the still for the "spirit run" to produce a spirt of around 70% abv. This spirit is then diluted to 63.5% abv before it enters into the casks for ageing. The majority of whiskies are aged in either 200L American oak ex-bourbon barrels, or 300L French oak ex-tawny barrels. Allowed to mature over many years in the unique Tasmanian climate - generally between nine and eighteen years.
Nose - Dates, Cacao Nibs, Orange Peel
Vibrant and with aromatic oak presenting as antique furniture, incense, and Autumn leaves. As it opens in the glass, the spirit and ex-Tawny pre-fill come forward through the oak with a beautifully integrated array of fruity and briny notes: bonito flakes, blackberry syrup, orange pulp and more berries. Dates, cacao nibs, candied orange peel and fresh orange provide depth and carry a smooth transition to the palate.
Palate - Peaches in Syrup, Vanilla, Bran Cereal
Palate Very quickly characterised by a wave of tight tannin; Tawny and oak-forward for just a moment, and then an explosive, bright and juicy fruit profile presents peaches in syrup, orange cordial and raspberry jam. A divine vanilla syrup note mingles with a savoury base element (bran cereal, and bonito flakes again), as clove and aniseed point back to the spirit character. Rose, sticky date pudding and fruit mince pies linger on the back palate.
Finish - Mandarin, Musk, Nutmeg
A beautifully long and layered finish presents mandarin, musk and nutmeg. Red dates and Madeira come next - incredibly rich and earthy, classic Tawny influence - and lots of liquorice mingles with notes of raisins and orange cake. Vanilla musk echoes throughout.
Bottle Information
Barrel Number - TD0409
Bottle Number - Various of 359
Filled Date - 06/08/2013
Decanted On - 18/01/2024
The Finer Details
Style - Whisky
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 47.1%
