Sullivans Cove releases Australia's First 25 Year Old Whisky (twice)

Absolutely HUGE news in Australian Whisky today, as Sullivans Cove release not one, but TWO 25 Year Old Australian whiskies - the oldest Australian whiskies ever released. A huge achievement and milestone for the Aussie whisky industry - and new world whisky in general.

Both from single casks laid down in 1999, HH0056 was matured in a 200L ex-Bourbon American Oak barrel, and yielded only 154 bottles at 47.6% ABV, available via invitation only.

HH0010 was matured in a larger 300L Refill American Oak barrel, and yielded 349 bottles at 47.8% ABV, to be available via ballot (and via The Whisky Club).

  

Given most new world whisky distilleries weren’t even around 25 years ago (and the climate in many such locations aren’t as conducive to long maturation as they may be in Scotland), 25 years is an impressive feat.

“To see two of our casks mature out to 25 years is something we did not expect.” said former distillery manager and owner Patrick Maguire, whilst CEO Andy Gaunt noted “This release is more than just a rare single cask, it’s a living record of our history, proof of what patience and conviction can achieve, and a statement of what world whisky has become.”

Having recently tried a few Sullivans Cove releases around 20-21 years old, I can say they carry every bit as much complexity and flavour as their Scottish counterparts, and I look forward to trying the new 25 Year Olds (which I'll be doing in just a few hours!)

Cheers,
Martin.