Something About Australian Whiskey

Australian whiskey has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many new distilleries emerging and established distilleries winning awards at international competitions. While Scotland and Ireland are known for their traditional whiskey-making methods, Australian whiskey is carving out its own unique niche in the whiskey world. In this blog, we'll explore the history of Australian whiskey, the whiskey-making process, and some of the top Australian whiskeys to try.

History of Australian Whiskey

Whiskey has been produced in Australia since the 19th century, with Scottish and Irish immigrants bringing their traditional whiskey-making methods to the country. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that the Australian whiskey industry began to gain momentum. Distilleries started to emerge, and many began experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients, such as peat from Tasmania and barrels made from Australian wine casks. Today, Australian whiskey is a thriving industry, with distilleries located in all states and territories.

Whiskey-Making Process

The whiskey-making process in Australia follows the traditional Scottish and Irish methods. The process starts with malted barley, which is soaked in water to release its natural sugars. The barley is then dried and ground into a coarse flour called grist. The grist is then mixed with hot water in a large vessel called a mash tun to create a mash, which is left to ferment for several days.

Once the mash has fermented, it is transferred to a copper pot still for distillation. The still is heated, and the alcohol vapor rises and condenses into a liquid, which is then collected in barrels. The whiskey is then aged in oak barrels for several years, allowing it to take on the flavors and characteristics of the barrel.

Top Australian Whiskeys to Try

1. Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask: Sullivans Cove, located in Tasmania, is one of the most highly awarded distilleries in Australia. Their French Oak Cask whiskey is aged for 16 years and has notes of vanilla, honey, and spice.

2. Starward Nova: Starward, located in Melbourne, produces a range of whiskeys that are aged in Australian wine casks. Their Nova whiskey is aged for 3 years and has notes of red fruit, caramel, and oak.

3. Limeburners Darkest Winter: Limeburners, located in Western Australia, produces a range of peated and unpeated whiskeys. Their Darkest Winter whiskey is aged for 5 years and has notes of chocolate, espresso, and smoke.

4. Bakery Hill Double Wood: Bakery Hill, located in Victoria, produces a range of single malt whiskeys. Their Double Wood whiskey is aged in both American oak and French oak barrels and has notes of vanilla, toffee, and spice.

5. Hellyers Road Original: Hellyers Road, located in Tasmania, is known for their high-quality single malt whiskeys. Their Original whiskey is aged for 10 years and has notes of honey, malt, and citrus.

In conclusion, Australian whiskey has come a long way since its early days, with distilleries experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients and winning international awards. With its own unique style and characteristics, Australian whiskey is a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast. So, if you're looking to expand your whiskey collection, be sure to try some of the top Australian whiskeys on the market.