Killara Dark Mofo 2024 Single Malt (Cask #KD38)

Tasting at Killara Distillery on August 10, 2024, whisky #2. Nose: It presented mixed breakfast grains like oats, barley, and wheat, along with light ale malt, vanilla, and dried fruits such as dates, figs, prunes, and raisins. A subtle hint of treacle or molasses, like dark burnt sugar, was present and became more pronounced with a little water added. Palate: The initial taste brought unexpected brandy and sweet raisin notes, not evident on the nose. These transitioned to rum, dark chocolate, and dried fruits, with the mouthfeel becoming slightly drier. It then evolved into softer, sweeter tastes of malt and baked vanilla custard. The texture was rich, full, slightly oily, and creamy. Adding water enhanced the creamy notes and revealed more rum cask influence. Finish: Medium length. It featured cereal, semi-sweet flavors, bread pudding, and mixed fruit. The rum cask character and dry mouthfeel reappeared in the aftertaste. While this whisky has no age statement, it's known to be made from 50 liters drawn in 2024 from one of the distillery's oldest casks. This ex-cognac cask, filled in 2018, contained whisky that was 5 or 6 years old at that time. It was then finished for a month in a small first-fill Australian ex-rum cask. Only 98 bottles were produced at 45% abv, with no added color or chill-filtration. Something about this whisky truly resonated with me. While not the best Australian whisky I've had, its profile was captivating, inviting repeated smelling and tasting. The combination of ex-cognac and ex-rum cask works exceptionally well, feeling just right. However, at a relatively low 45% abv, caution is advised when adding water to avoid diluting it too much. Upon discovering a single bottle remained in stock (number 69 of 98), I purchased it. Score: 85/100 (4 stars) - “Very Good”