Sullivans Cove American Oak Second Fill Single Cask TD72 Whisky 46.5%

Unlike Sullivan Cove’s standard American Oak single casks, which are aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, these single cask whiskies are matured in casks previously used to age an older batch of Sullivans Cove single malt. Originally commissioned in the mid-1990s as virgin casks, they were first filled with the single malt, then decanted, re-charred and refilled. Over a decade later, this whisky is the result, with a unique flavour profile of soft oak that really allows the Sullivans Cove spirit and character to shine through.

 

American Oak Tawny Single Cask TD0072 was distilled in February of 2006 and decanted in May of this year, maturing at just over 15 years in a single, 300L American oak cask previously used to mature Australian tawny fortified wine. Bottled at 46.5% and producing only 471 bottles.

 

Nose: An intriguing and very beautiful spice greets you right away. Kampot pepper, and Ras el hanout. We move into baking territory, with rich shortbread and banana muffins straight out of the oven. Chocolate caramel, peaches, apricots, and a light and generic confectionery note: “show bag.”
Palate: Excellent texture, quite voluptuous but without being gluggy. Vanilla malt milkshake, a touch of hazelnut and almond and a solid dose of pine nut.  Peaches, sweet fruit straps and candy, and an Aperol-like summery citrus flavour.

Finish: Pine nuts continue through from the palate, giving a good transition into malted milk. The peaches and soft citrus also come across. There’s an earthy moment of mushrooms, oat cakes, cocoa and anise, before a lengthy sweet chocolate caramel finish.