PR #7: Nant Distillery's big plans for the future

Back in February we reviewed the Nant Distillery Whisky Bar in Brisbane (link), and a tasting of three of their excellent whiskies (link). Now known as the Nant Distilling Company Limited (NDCL), they've recently announced significant plans for future expansion, including:

• The planned opening of 20 new Nant Whisky Cellars and Bars across Australia (over the next 3 years)
• The construction of an onsite malting plant
• The expansion of our brewing and distilling operations; and
• Significant revenue growth (from just over $2m in 2012 to a forecasted $14.6m in 2015).

With Australian whisky enjoying something of golden period at the moment (a period sure to continue for quite some time), it's an exciting time for Nant, who are looking to raise $5m through a convertible note offering to help fund the above. This is in addition to Nant's existing barrel sale and investment programs.

For anyone interested in finding out more, further details can be found at:
http://nantdistillery.com.au/documents/The_Nant_Distillery_Precis_EDM.pdf

As big fans of Aussie whisky, we wish NDCL the best of luck with their endeavour.

Cheers,
 - Martin.

Please note: We have no affiliation with NDCL or Nant Distillery, and do not plan to take part in the aforementioned offer. Whilst the thought of owning our own barrel of whisky, or indeed potentially part of a distillery is certainly enticing, at a $50,000 minimum investment, we'll leave this one to the professional investors, and limit our ownership to "bottles" rather than "distilleries". :)

World of Whisky's Tasmanian Whisky Expo

Australian Whiskies are on the rise, gaining world recognition and winning awards (some having only been bottling for less than a few years). Whilst almost every state in Australia is represented, none is better known than Tasmania, with a number of active distilleries and an increasing reputation as a world-class whisky distilling region.

In recognition of this, World of Whisky in Double Bay (a specialist shop selling nothing but whisk(e)y) held their annual "Tasmanian Whisky Expo" last Saturday, with representation from four Tassie distilleries:

• Lark Distillery
• Old Hobart Distillery (makers of Overeem)
• Hellyers Road
• Tasmania Distillery (makers of Sullivans Cove)

To emphasise the focus on Tassie produce, the guys also had a number of Tasmanian cheeses and salmon for tasting (including a fantastic whisky-cured salmon which I could've eaten all day...)

Each distillery had their key expressions available for tasting, including one from my #101drams list (Hellyers Rd Pinot Noir Finish), and staff/management from the distilleries on-hand to answer any questions and have a yarn about all things whisky.

The event also coincided with the recent launch of the "Tasmanian Single Malts" plinth (pictured above), which will be rolled out to various bars and shops to promote Tasmania whiskies.

The event was a great way to get word out about Tassie whiskies, and was a great chance for whisky fans (and newcomers alike) to meet, enjoy a dram or two and discuss their favourite tipple. I'm looking forward to seeing this again next year (hopefully bigger and better)!

Cheers,
 - Martin.

PS: World of Whisky run a great show, and to see this on a much, much bigger scale, check out their "Whisky Show 2013" which was mentioned in this post.

Tasted #9, #10 and #11: 3 x Nants (#101drams)

A few weeks ago I visited The Nant Whisky Bar in Brisbane, and was managed to tick off one of my #101drams whiskies - #10 The Nant 3yo Cask Strength (aka the famous Jim Murray 95.5 rater).

I wasn't about to give up the opportunity to try a few other drams though, and so ordered a tasting flight of Nants, including:

• The Nant Single Malt Whisky (Port Wood) 43% 
• The Nant Single Malt Whisky (Sherry Wood) 43% 
• The Nant Single Malt Whisky (American Oak Bourbon Wood) - Jim Murray 95.5/100 Cask Strength 63%

I was expecting big things from the cask strength and it didn't disappoint. But we'll get to that...

The Nant Single Malt Whisky (Port Wood) 43% 

Big rich nose, honey/maple syrup. Sweet but not "sherry sweet". Well-balanced palate with a big mouth feel (surprisingly big given the ABV%). The finish was smooth and just the right length - not over too soon, but not lingering around forever.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 91/100

The Nant Single Malt Whisky (Sherry Wood) 43% 

Definite sherry nose - sweet and enjoyable. Palate was much the same, perhaps a slight nuttiness, but not as smooth as the port wood. The finish impressed - long and smooth, with the sherry's sweetness lingering to the end. I preferred the Port Wood, but this was an enjoyable dram.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 89/100

The Nant Single Malt Whisky (American Oak Bourbon Wood) - Jim Murray 95.5/100 Cask Strength 63%

The big one. Big expectations here. Given the 63% ABV, I was expecting big alcoholic aromas that really hit at the back of the nose and down into the throat. Nope. This one combined the sweetness of the sherry and the maple syrup notes of the two previous whiskies, with a good whack of vanilla coming through. The ABV% was more evident on the palate - BIG mouthfeel (this is definitely a cask strength...) rich, barley notes. Delicious. The finish was (as expected) L-O-N-G, with a warming, sugary syrupy finish that you don't want to leave (and at times it seems it never will). Deserving of the accolades - Nant have created a fantastic whisky here.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 93/100

Cheers, 

 - Martin.