Manly Spirits "Coastal Stone" Elements Series Ginger Beer Cask

Manly Spirits Inaugural Release Virtual Tasting, October 6th 2021, Sample #5 Smell: Ginger, quite potent. Apple juice, apple cider. The dried glass aroma is ginger. Taste: Spicy/sweet initial impression with ginger being the most prominent. Fruity and malty notes appear during development. A bit of warmth, which isn't unexpected, and the texture is substantial and smooth. Conclusion: Medium length. Ginger... ginger... ginger... The final offering from the tasting was an experimental cask maturation that has been aged for just over 2 years so far (the minimum legal period in Australia) in a 300 litre former red wine cask. This had previously been used by Starward distillery in Melbourne for aging their malt whisky, and then by Four Pines brewery for their barrel-aged ginger beer. Given its history as a refill cask with varied use, it's understandable that this added complexity to the Manly Spirits new-make spirit without excessive oak influence, and the result is a pleasant and well-rounded dram... though it's not quite what we typically consider whisky. This was labeled as a work-in-progress malt, and I'm uncertain if it will be part of the “Coastal Stone” series. I enjoyed it, but judging an unusual whisky against more conventional styles is always challenging. Could it really be described as just a whisky-flavored alcoholic ginger beer? I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by this, but I wouldn't purchase a bottle, and I'm not convinced it can be evaluated on the same standard as other whiskies. However, I have to acknowledge it was genuinely enjoyable to experience. I'm awarding it 3 stars, but the score reflects its potential for enjoyment and its value as a conversation starter rather than its quality as a whisky. “Above Average”: 80/100 (3 stars)