World-Whisky-Day

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Furneaux Distillery Flinders Island Peated Apera Cask

Furneaux Distillery say: This whisky was aged for 5 years in Apera (sherry) Quarter Casks. It was distilled using 100% Tasmanian barley, which was smoked on Flinders Island using local, coastal peat. Our peat imparts a gentle, aromatic smoke, which is complemented beautifully by the rich, velvety fruit notes imparted by 50yo ex Seppelstfield Apera casks.

Best enjoyed: This whisky is unflocked single malt, meaning the spirit carries a lot of fats and oils throughout production. We specifically don’t remove those elements by filtering, because they will provide a great deal of mouthfeel and texture to the whisky. We recommend serving it neat so you can experience the full aroma and flavour. 

Being matured in a fortified wine cask, this whisky carries a lot of sweetness, and rich, dried fruit flavours. At an ABV of 49% it still has a lot of complexity and intensity, so it pairs perfectly with dessert – dark chocolate, cake, salted caramel.

RRP $220 | furneauxdistillery.com.au | Shop this whisky

The Gospel Project Nicks Wine Merchant

The Gospel Whiskey say: The Gospel Projects series is born from an obsession with making the world's best rye whiskey. Every release is a single cask, one barrel, one pursuit of perfection. This one was selected by Nicks Wine Merchants, Melbourne's most respected independent bottle shop. Family-owned since 1974, four generations deep, with over 1,300 whiskies, many tasted and scored. Two obsessions. One barrel.

Best enjoyed: The whiskey is from a ‘honey cask' that stood out for its richness and balance, so first and foremost, we recommend appreciating it straight, then experimenting with slow dilution. It’s a big rye that’s also going to work in a Manhattan, with power in reserve to hold up to sweet vermouth and bitters.  You'll need something full-flavoured to match the generous, spicy character of this whiskey. A peppered rib-eye is a good place to start. But sometimes simpler pairings have greater merit — Roquefort on toasted rye, where salt and funk cut through the richness, or a square of fine dark chocolate. 

RRP $149.99 | thegospelwhiskey.com | Shop this whisky

Melbourne Moonshine Apple Pie Shine

Melbourne Moonshine say: First released in 2016, Melbourne Moonshine’s Apple Pie Shine helped shape the early wave of modern Australian distilling. It quickly earned a following (and Gold medals) for its bold, no-nonsense flavour. Now relaunched with a new look (same liquid), it blends Victorian apples with triple-distilled spirit, offering a considered local & independent alternative to the usual cinnamon-led spirits.

Best enjoyed: Versatile by design. Best with ginger beer or soda and a wedge of lime for a bright, easy highball, or served neat over ice.  To step things up, try a Whisky Sour or Penicillin cocktail. Works equally well in warm cocktails; try a Hot Toddy or Spiked Mulled Cider during the colder months. Your Nonna’s apple pie, with cream, of course! Or lean savoury with roast pork, crackling and a touch of apple sauce. The spice and fruit lift both sweet and rich dishes.

RRP $59 | applepieshine.com.au | Shop this whisky

Starward

Starward say: Cxxx

Best enjoyed: Txx

RRP $x | hillmanbros.com.au | Shop this gin 

Top image credits: King Island Distillery