Corowa Distilling Co. Corowa Characters

Australian Single Malt Whisky Tasting (Part 1), The Oak Barrel, Sydney, January 16, 2020, Whisky #1 Nose: Cereal notes are prominent, with a subtle fruity element in the background (red berries and grapes, but a dry fruitiness rather than intensely fragrant). There's a light leatherwood honey quality and the faintest hint of smoke (though it might be something else I'm mistaking for smoke). The cask influence is fresh and clean. Palate: The arrival is predominantly cereal-focused, with full, rounded baking spices and a hint of sultana in the background. It's dry rather than sweet, but not excessively so. As it develops, more spice appears alongside abundant crisp barley grist (the primary flavor component), some lightly preserved fruits, and even a touch of dark fruit. It becomes slightly sweeter as it progresses, and the texture is pleasant. Finish: Medium/short. Malty and gently fruity. This whisky comes from a young distillery in Corowa, New South Wales, situated on the Murray River, which divides NSW and Victoria. They utilize locally sourced barley and Australian casks for this expression. The whisky is aged for two years in ex-red wine casks (I believe first fill), and you can distinctly perceive the sensation of fresh young oak and a subtle red fruit presence throughout the profile (though it's not what I'd call a strongly fruity whisky). The aroma reminds me of both G. Rozelieurs Blue and Hellyers Road Pinot Cask. All three are fresh, cereal-forward, and display the unmistakable scent of young red-wine casks. It's a slightly wine-like aroma with a woody undertone closer to plywood than aged, seasoned oak. While this might not sound like a compliment, it's actually a pleasant and clean aroma – it just doesn't suggest significant age. Adding water is unnecessary as this whisky is easily drinkable at 46% ABV, with the alcohol barely noticeable. Its value is debatable, as while it does reveal a slight honeyed note on the palate, the plywood aromas become too pronounced, bordering on the smell of wet cardboard. I enjoyed this expression. It's young, fairly straightforward, and unpretentious (one could harshly call it juvenile), but it possesses a welcome freshness and vibrant honesty. It's also competitively priced for an Australian whisky and has made me curious to try their other offerings. "Above Average": 80/100 (3 stars)

Having a neighbor who shares samplers on a sunny Thursday afternoon is a valuable connection. Nose: Strong oak tannins are present, with cardamom and anise offering an unexpected, almost rye-like character that blends with berries and a slightly dry, musty note. The nose is delicate and acceptable. Palate: Mirrors the nose but with a thick, buttery sweetness akin to strawberry jam. Toasted malt seems to be present throughout. With further tasting, the oak becomes overpowering, tannic, bitter, and slightly drying. Finish: Lingering oaky bitterness with hints of dark fruit and rye-like spice. It's unclear if the spice is from rye or a persistent malt funk. This is intriguing, and the cask treatment is bold and ambitious, deserving credit. However, the oak is excessively dominant and lacks complexity. Cowra is a relatively new distillery, and I anticipate good things as they develop their expertise. {Cost is for a 500 ml bottle} Whisky taste #75

The nose has a slightly floral character with undertones of honey and nectarines. The taste is peppery, concluding with a distinct note of ripe fruit, followed by a savory, long, and warm finish. I think this would be excellent in an Old Fashioned, served over ice with a touch of orange peel.

Living just forty minutes from Corowa, I was already inclined to enjoy this. However, it didn't quite hit the mark. It has a bit of a 'damp wooden board' quality with some floral top notes. It's acceptable, but unremarkable.

Honey scent with a slight alcohol burn, not too intense, accompanied by a raisin note and hints of oak and smoke.

A touch fruity with significant oak flavors. Decent, but could benefit from more complexity.