Hellyers Road Double Cask

Sydney Whisky Show May 20th 2023. Whisky #17 Nose: Malt, musky vanilla, toast, stewed fruits. Palate: A somewhat firm and spicy malt-forward arrival, developing notes of chocolate, porridge, and ginger spices. The texture is adequate. Finish: Medium/Short. Cereal, walnut skins. This is a brief review of the sole Hellyers Road product sampled at the show. The Double-Cask is part of their recently revamped core range, with updated bottle design and branding. Hellyers Road produced its first spirit in 1999, placing it among the pioneering Australian craft distilleries, yet it was already a substantial operation. They have been active long enough to have a 19-year-old release in the new core range, though sadly it wasn't available for tasting at the event. I've consistently found their whisky to be variable. The No Age Statement expressions typically fail to impress me, as do some of the age-stated ones, although they have occasionally delivered moments of brilliance, like the older 15-year Original and certain special vintage releases. Regarding this new lineup, I require considerably more time to evaluate them. However, to be candid, this NAS "Double Cask" (which is demonstrably over 5 years old but marketed as NAS) did not leave a favorable impression. I surmise it's intended as the successor to the NAS "Original" expression from the prior core range, which also did little for me. "Average": 78/100 (2.75 stars)

Whiskey Tour of the World 2nd Edition #15. The body is clear amber with medium legs. The aroma is fruity, earthy, and alcoholic. The flavor is spicy, fruity, earthy, and herbal. It has a medium-full body with a moderately heavy warming sensation. Scoring: 7/3/6/3/12. Overall: 3.1.

Aromas of apples and honey. The taste is savory with sharp cheddar. A sweet, malty, and fruity finish. This complex whisky is worth trying, even if it's not my usual choice.

Somewhat fruity. The taste is an improvement over the aroma, which was a bit tart.