The Grove Distillery Cream Sherry Cask Whiskey

Aroma: Decaying fruit, particularly bananas, with underlying notes of sherry and wood. Faint hints of diesel and brown sugar are present. Palate: Sweet, woody, and tobacco on the initial taste. As it develops, there are peculiar plastic and fruit flavors, with sweetness eventually becoming dominant. Distinct orange and apricot notes are also noticeable. The texture is acceptable, but there's an overall impression of something artificial. Finish: Medium length. It concludes slightly tart and fruity, with a lingering sherry note. I was truly uncertain about this one. A tasting sample was provided by a friend, and they are convinced it was aged for only one day, but I could find no online information to support this. It's peculiar because, to be legally sold as "whisky" in Australia, the spirit must be at least two years old, among other requirements. All the Grove whisky examples I found online indicate they are aged for two or three years. Regardless of its origins, it did not make a favorable impression, and frankly, I thought it had as much connection to fine whisky as household cleaner does. However, while I was smelling it and contemplating its odd character, it suddenly struck me – this is much, much more like rum than whisky. It possesses both an aroma and a palate that one might mistake for a really unusual, rich old Jamaican rum, and if that's what I had been told it was, I would have rated it higher. But as a whisky, it's simply a failure. I have no idea of its cost, but the Grove 2-year-old Single Malt Whisky sells for about $170, and if it's anything like this, that's overpriced. Rating: Poor (60/100) - 1 star

Yes, exactly 1 day in the 50-liter barrel. Apparently, exceeding 4 more hours results in over-aging. That suggests cheap quality to me, but upon tasting it (admittedly after sampling at two wineries and one brewery in Margaret River), I was impressed. The cream sherry is very prominent, supported by a nice base spirit, proving that good things don't always require extensive aging. I did buy another bottle. After this substantial drinking session, I woke up the next day realizing I had far too much alcohol to bring back through customs: 8 bottles of spirits, 25 samples, and 10 bottles of wine. We consumed as much wine as possible at my in-laws' place in Melbourne a week later, gifted two bottles of spirits, canceled one duty-free purchase, and still had to leave one bottle behind... Next time, I'll need to attach a note to my forehead... don't let me buy more bottles, I'm over the limit! Update: After opening the bottle in the clear light of day, it smells and tastes more like what it is... a spirit aged for 1 day and briefly dipped in a cream sherry barrel. The aroma is somewhat like baby vomit (though not that bad), and the taste is more one-dimensional. Note to self: if you're too drunk, your judgment is impaired! Update 2: After giving away samples, I then gave away the entire bottle because I couldn't bear to drink it. Score revised!