Old Kempton Winter Release Single Malt Whisky 500ml 2023

Old Kempton Winter Release Single Malt Whisky 2023 is a small-batch Tasmanian single malt finished in Bourbon wood at 58% ABV.

Two hundred litres is all there was. Rob Tyson chose casks that had spent three years in Tasmanian Pinot Noir wood, sourced from Moorilla, Frogmore Creek and Stefano Lubiana, then moved the lot into one 200-litre Bourbon barrel for a further twelve months. The aim was equilibrium between the two: spice and berry from the Pinot wood against the vanillin sweetness and breadth of American oak. His interest in Bourbon casks has been growing for a while and looks set to feature more heavily; on this evidence that is a welcome direction.

Christmas cake spice, berry fruit, vanilla pod and soaked citrus, then a complex palate of dark fruit, roasted nuts, woodiness and cocoa nib with fresh citrus on the close. At 58 per cent it carries power and texture, and a drop of water is worth adding. A cold-night whisky.