Launceston Single Malt Whisky Bourbon Cask

Visiting Tasmania and finally stopped by a distillery. The place is a massive aircraft hangar and a monument to aviation history. I've sampled some Launceston spirits before, finding them decent to quite good. However, I've hesitated to purchase a bottle due to the high cost. After witnessing their production methods, meeting their great team, and observing their commitment to quality over rapid releases (unlike some others), I'm more open to buying a bottle later. Unfortunately, I couldn't taste the new make spirit because the head distiller wasn't present to authorize it (Australian tax laws are incredibly frustrating). So, I started with their basic malt, aged in bourbon barrels. The barrels come from various US distilleries, but the batches maintain good consistency. The cask strength version I tried on November 16th, 2022, received a 4 out of 5 rating. This standard 46% ABV bottling is, as expected, a milder version of that one. Nose: Light and fresh, with an unexpected hint of oaky dryness. Primarily, though, it offers creamy lemon curd and vanilla cream. A touch of grainy malt. Palate: Very similar to the nose. It's smooth but has a bit of oaky spice to keep things interesting. Hints of tropical fruit like coconut, plus some brown sugar and vanilla, confirm its bourbon cask origins. Finish: Pleasantly long with warming spicy oak and vanilla flavors. There's not much groundbreaking here; it's a standard bourbon cask whisky, but the addition of some slightly rough oak provides a spicy depth that prevents it from being dull. The lemony note on the nose is quite distinct and enjoyable. It's a straightforward, well-crafted spirit. Price is for a 500 ml bottle. Distillery spirit tasting #252 [Pictured: some of the distillery, not with ice] Launceston ongoing scores Bourbon cask: 3.5/5 Bourbon cask, cask strength single cask: 4/5 Apera cask: 3.75/5 Tawny cask, cask strength single cask: 4.25/5 American & French oak reserve: 4.25/5