Hellyers Road Original 10 Year Single Malt

Nose: Malt, vanilla, oatmeal cookies, wholemeal toast, a very light hint of oak. As it sits in the glass, the vanilla becomes more prominent. Adding water significantly enhances the aroma. [The aroma from the dry glass smells like toast soaked in ethanol]. Palate: A firm, almost sharp, malty entry with some ginger spice appearing as it develops. There's a subtle hint of charcoal, but it's not a truly smoky note. A slightly beery flavor. Overall, the palate is quite simple and shallow. A touch of water softens the otherwise almost overpowering spicy note and reveals a little cereal sweetness. The texture is slightly oily and pleasant. Finish: Medium. Cereal and malt, with a salty/sweet and sour aftertaste that persists. The distillate from Hellyers Road is similar to Irish pot-still, emphasizing cereal characteristics. It's a crisp and lightly fragrant whisky made to a high standard, but it lacks complexity, especially on the palate. It is greatly improved by adding water. Neat, it seems very tight and closed, but a dash of water makes it open up and become much more approachable. An acceptable single malt - not outstanding, but acceptable - though a bit pricey. The official rating here is excessively generous. "Average": 78/100 (2.5 stars)

An Australian Single Malt Whisky from Hellyers Road Distillery in Tasmania, aged for 10 years in Bourbon casks, crafted with premium Tasmanian grain, and produced using the purest water and air. It begins sweet with notes of butterscotch, pears, vanilla, hints of barley sugar, malt, and honey; followed by an easy, creamy middle with touches of sugar, Bourbon, vanilla, and maple spice; culminating in a rich, medium-length finish with hints of sweet oak, maple syrup, and allspice. October 2018 / January / February 2019 / June 2020 / May 2021 / August 2022

Un-chill filtered adds an interesting oily richness. A very good experience considering the price and age. It opens up with water and some time. Smell: Earthy Menthol Slightly bitter Tea tree Cane sugar Lemon myrtle Dry Sushi sheets Arrival: Heavy and round Salty and sour Citrus peel Mock coconut Development: A little spice, faint Thai chilli Dark hardwood Dry Lemon grass Finish: Lingering spice, Clove and pepper Faintest Kindling fire smoke

Sweet, rich, fruity, with notes of coffee and toffee! Very creamy... Unfortunately, I didn't take enough notes to fully appreciate this whisky. It's delicious, though better whiskies exist in this style, such as Scapa 16 Year (out of stock, which I had the same evening) or G.Rozelieures Rare with its own coffee, cherry, caramel, and fruit notes, its own creamy toffee, plus added peat.

Whisky Club 2: For a 700ml bottle, it cost $87 AUD. The general opinion was that the price was high because of the quantity rather than the craft. The initial smell was beautiful, carrying on with vanilla and floral notes. The first taste was sharp and full, with a pleasing floral to vanilla and sweet character. However, the finish was abrupt and faded without much depth.

Floral, light fruit, slightly musty, sweet fresh pear, citrus, honey, white wine, burnt toast, spiced stewed apple, delicate milk chocolate with fresh creaminess, and oak. It's smooth and sweet with delicate fruit, and smooth, spiced wood with a malty toastiness. An incredible whiskey.