Old Kempton Christmas Release 2023 500ml

Old Kempton Christmas Release 2023 is a small-batch Tasmanian single malt matured in Australian fortified casks.

The distillery's first festive bottling is built from single malts matured in premium Tawny casks of Australian origin, with a little Apera-cask whisky folded in. Rob Tyson chose the casks for their richer, spicier character, and he has said he was chasing log fires and Old Gold chocolate. The two cask types work well together: Tawny supplies plum pudding, brown sugar and tobacco leaf, while Apera brings warm spice, white pepper and the structural frame that keeps the whole thing from going soft. As with everything at Dysart House, the spirit began as Tasmanian barley wash through copper pot stills.

Rich and festive, with dried fruit, brown sugar, cocoa and a peppery spine. Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the way, and a drop of water widens it. Good with Christmas pudding, a wedge of fruitcake or dark chocolate.