Rolling into yet another home grown whisky, trotting from state to state, this time from grain to malt, from bourbon centric to sherry affinite, from West to East is the Archie Rose Single Malt whisky! 

This expression is quite an unorthodox one, underpinned by not one, not two but six different types of malts (wowza!) each planting a layer of splash into the pre-distilled spirit. The maturation is equally varied, with the distillers using a combination of barrels – Australian Apera, ex-bourbon and their very own ex-rye casks that are charred and toasted prior to aging their whisky. The ex-rye casks are in fact air dried for about 36 months, while the Apera barrels used are a mix of 100, 200 and 300 litre barrels. High hopes coming into this one…almost mouth watering this!

The octagonal boxing is plush, with the bottle neatly sitting into its custom moulding. To open the box is an experience of its own, unravelling like a curtain, from side to side, giving a plush feel, though not really necessary (imo). The bottle however, is meh; but that’s not what we’re after, the prize is what’s inside…or is it?

ABV : 46%

Eye : Polished Mahogony | Natural Colouring

Nose : Caramel with a pinch of spice along with dried fruits such as raisins, dates, and plums; quite like a Christmas cake with a touch of earthiness. There’s black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves, some orange zest accompanied by dark chocolate with some of that dark winey influence.

Taste : Lots of sweetness, rich from the influence of dried fruits such as dates and raisins. Red apples and  plums coupled with caramel and cinnamon. There’s coffee and malt with a hint of zest and traces of earthiness.

Finish : Sweet but dry; spicy, woody and fruity.

At AUD $119 ($79 on offer), this is a real steal; a dram that’s a perfect example of what a sherried whisky ought to be! If it were a three way competition with a Macallan and the Glendronachs; this one leaped, did an axel, a quadruple lutz and a forward outside death spiral, all in near succession to secure Gold! Priced at nearly two-thirds a Macallan and cheaper than most sherry loving whiskies, it is near well priced, that won’t necessarily empty your pocket.

If you fancy a sherry influenced whisky that is local, look no further. There’s heaps, the sherry finds itself deeply intertwined in the very fabric of this expression with lots of dried fruits and spice harmoniously balanced, well concocted together. There’s depth, there’s breadth and good complexity. The spirit takes you through a journey with every sip; very settling and comforting.

Slainte!