Kinglake O'Grady's Bourbon Cask

Nose: Fresh young oak, honeysuckle, jasmine, banana bread, vanilla, chocolate caramel, orange peel. Water diminished the nose, and it didn't recover over time. Palate: A bit hot and intense on arrival with aggressive spicy cinnamon and tannins. Unripe yellow fruit, green plantain, porridge, sourdough, and grassy hay notes emerge as it develops. Water significantly improved the palate by softening the intense arrival and unifying the components, also enhancing the texture. Finish: Medium. Marmalade and a hint of chocolate appear unexpectedly at the end. A slight wisp of smoke in the aftertaste and a touch of white pepper emerge with dilution. Kinglake is a young Australian distillery established in 2018, with whisky available for about four years. This expression is part of their main line, formerly named "O'Grady's Stand" and now simply "O'Grady's". It is entirely matured in ex-bourbon barrels. It's a competent and well-constructed whisky, only hindered by its youth. The palate benefited from a splash of water and some resting time in the glass, but the nose didn't respond as well. If the aromas had been stronger, the balance from adding water would have been better, but I had no trouble finishing my tasting sample. I understand the distillery is situated in the hills north of Melbourne, experiencing a microclimate similar to Scotland, which might allow for longer maturation periods. I hope so, as this shows great potential, and I'd be keen to taste it at ten years old. “Above Average”: 82/100 (3.25 stars)