Launceston Distillery Single Cask #003 Cask Strength Tawny Cask (H17-32)

My third release from Launceston Distillery, a natural follow-up to the “Apera Assault”. Today, we try a Tawny typhoon. The Apera cask influence has its own entry. Different batches show slight variations. This particular one was matured in small (100 L) French oak barrels that previously contained Tawny fortified wine. For those unfamiliar, Tawny is essentially Australian Port. A potent single cask (#003), cask strength bottling clocking in at 63.5% ABV. Reportedly, this is only the third 100-liter cask ever filled at Launceston Distillery and is guaranteed to be five years old. Nose: Intense port aromas are somewhat masked by a mild mustiness, leather, and a whisper of tobacco. Roasted coffee, oak, caramel, and a touch of chocolate create a rich and dense aroma. The dry glass reveals a return of mustiness, leather, and that tobacco scent again. Palate: Thick and heavy with considerable dry warmth. The characteristic Port notes of Christmas pudding and dried fruit are wonderfully present, but they are presented with a smooth oak texture and a buttery, satisfying flavor akin to the finest wooded chardonnay. Deep dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, and chewy caramel are decadently syrupy and rich. Despite its substantial 63.5% ABV, it feels balanced and smooth with an appealing complexity. With time, a touch of ginger emerges in the spice, and some brown sugar notes become more prominent. Finish: Long. The warmth is pleasant, avoiding any harshness or excessive spice. The heat comes from ginger, with a delightful lingering taste of milk chocolate, gentle oak, and a molasses-like sweetness. A generous addition of water softens the nose towards caramel and leather, which feels appropriate as I settle into the new leather armchairs in my rock room. The palate also mellows; the dry heat recedes, and the velvety caramel that coats the mouth takes center stage. Chocolate enthusiasts, celebrate. Chardonnay fans, too bad; the oak did not respond well to water. The finish focuses entirely on chocolate and shifts from molasses to more of a golden syrup. Perhaps a half teaspoon would be suitable for optimal balance. Tawny typhoon. I'm christening it right now. What a powerhouse of deep richness and flavor. I felt the Apera was the less remarkable sibling in a high-achieving family. Not bad, but not the standout. This Tawny typhoon, however, is exceptional. While I have no knowledge of the Australian Tawny industry, I imagine the original contents of this barrel were equally impressive. The cask influence has been superb, with no harshness. Perfectly balanced French Oak that contributes significantly without being overbearing, yet provides enough interest and complexity to elevate it beyond typical port-casked whisky competitors and surpass the level of merely "good." With only 157 bottles released, this is a genuine Tasmanian rarity that I was lucky to experience, and I doubt we'll encounter another taste like it on this platform. If you have the opportunity, seize it. It's well worth delving into its rich depths. [Pictured with a roughly 480-440 million-year-old stichtite serpentinite, also known as atlantisite by those into crystal healing. Serpentinite is a rock from the mantle that has undergone hydrothermal metamorphism; in this case, it's filled with attractive lilac-colored stichtite. Stichtite is found in only 14 locations worldwide, one of which is Dundas, Tasmania. A fittingly rare geological specimen from the same island that produced this uncommon spirit.] liquor] The price is for a 500 ml bottle. bottle. Whisky tasting #107