Tasmanian Independent Bottlers "The Vatted Malt" #2

Spirit appraisal: The Oak Barrel, Sydney, January 19, 2021. Spirit #1 Smell: The scent of malted barley is full but not overpowering, with a fragrant, earthy quality from the grains and barrels. A subtle syrupy note is present, though less intense than malt extract. As it sits, fruit aromas emerge, showing the influence of sherry casks – initially orchard fruits like sweet apples, then progressing to raisins, dates, and dried figs. After a significant period in the glass, a brown sugar scent develops. The wood contributes a fresh, woody aroma in the background. The overall aroma is well-balanced, neither dominated by the distillate nor the cask. Taste: A sweet initial impression with abundant dark fruits, cereal grains, sweet nuts (notably cashews), and a touch of golden syrup. The texture is rich, creamy, and highly pleasing, but the palate doesn't offer the same intricate development as the nose. Nevertheless, it is very good. Aftertaste: Medium in length. Sweet malty cereal and dark fruit persist until the very end. Tasmanian Independent Bottlers, established in 2015, has been releasing Australian whiskies in single cask, batch, and blended formats. They prioritize experimentation and re-casking, resulting in some excellent bottlings. This whisky is a blend of three casks from their inventory. Their origins are not specified on the label, but two are believed to be from the former Redlands Distillery (now Old Kempton) in Tasmania. The source of the third cask is unknown. The casks are only identified as "sherry," leaving ambiguity about whether this refers to old-style Australian sherry, imported sherry, or Australian apera. What is confirmed is that 196 bottles were produced from this blend, released in December 2019, and that the whisky is of good quality. Its character leans more towards Scottish malt whisky than is typical for local products, with a resemblance to Benrinnes. I found this enjoyable and considered purchasing a bottle, but only one was available and it was quickly claimed. It was priced at the higher end, especially considering the 500ml volume, but the cost was justified by the quality level. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)