Belgrove Oat Whiskey

Nose: Sweet, soft, and intricate. It evokes warm oatmeal cookies with red currants and dried cherry pieces. Subtle floral and fruity fragrances reminiscent of rosé, elderflower liqueur, and tropical fruit wine are present. The floral character intensifies as it opens in the glass and with a splash of water, gaining complexity over time. Palate: A rich, rounded cereal arrival with roasted almonds, hazelnuts, vanilla, and red berries. Notes of brown sugar, golden syrup, black coffee, and a fleeting impression of red wine are detected. The texture is warm, creamy, and comforting. Finish: Medium/long. Mocha coffee and toasted banana bread with a hint of raspberry preserve. This review pertains specifically to Batch 5 of this oat whisky, a blend of two casks: a refill malt whisky cask and an ex-pinot noir cask. It was bottled on April 15, 2021, at 52.3% ABV, approximately 2 years old (the minimum maturation period for whisky in Australia). As with all Belgrove whiskies, the proof varies by batch, and the flavor profile can differ significantly with changes in cask influence. The mash bill generally consists of around 60-65% oats, with the remainder being roughly equal parts rye, barley, and wheat. The initial batch (released around 2014, I believe?) was 42% ABV, but the proof has gradually increased. The previous batch was 59%, but I found this Batch 5 to be the best yet, with an ideal strength. The nuttiness and creamy quality of the whisky have been consistent, but where it was previously enhanced by tropical fruit notes, Batch 5 leans towards berries and red fruits. The expressions have also become creamier over time as the distiller has perfected the ingredients. This is a seriously good whisky that should not be rushed. A casual tasting might lead you to dismiss it as just another whisky, but if you allow it time to open up (a splash of water is highly recommended), you will be pleasantly surprised by its evolution and depth. I enjoy this as much as Belgrove's rye whiskies, perhaps because Batch 3 of the oat whisky was my first taste of a Belgrove product, and I was instantly captivated. Who knows. Tasted at the Sydney Whisky Show on May 15, 2021; my 23rd tasting of the day. “Very Good”: 86/100 (4 stars).