Spring Bay Distillery The Rheban Cask Strength Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky

Vanilla milkshakes and lime-flavoured jelly snakes slithering through applesauce lend this whisky a childhood summer nostalgia that I’m totally here for. It’s not frivolous like my primary school spending habits though, with a good malt backbone to support the fruity fun. It’s nice to see more producers employing Australian chardonnay casks for whisky maturation, with Spring Bay one of the first to do so consistently. This is a great example of why it works, with fun, bright flavours that stand out from the crowded Aussie whisky pack, while providing a uniquely Australian perspective from a global standpoint. At 56% abv, this is still super drinkable, with a bright, zippy palate that carries all that fruit and malt well.

Fred Siggins