Tin Shed "Iniquity" Batch 008

Nose: Earthy notes of clay and sandalwood, combined with laundry soap, dried mixed fruit, savory notes reminiscent of roast mutton fat, and a distinct rancio character. A smoky aroma emerges upon re-appreciation after an initial sip. Palate: Begins with a gentle entry, showing subtle oakiness and earthiness. The texture is rich and well-rounded. As it evolves, dried fruits become more prominent, and a full smoky flavor gradually intensifies. The smokiness on the palate is more pronounced than on the nose, developing slowly. Finish: Moderate length, offering a sweet yet dry profile with a slightly metallic, spicy note and some ashy oak. It has a mildly astringent quality. Produced by Tin Shed Distillers, a small South Australian operation, Iniquity holds a cult status locally and sells out rapidly with each batch release (the current batch is number 010, released February 2018). While batches share a common profile, variations in wort and barrel aging ensure they are distinct enough for separate evaluations. I also observe significant batch-to-batch differences within the overall house style. Batch 008 was aged in three small refill port casks, at least one being PX, then married in a reused American oak tun also previously used for port. The malt is lightly smoked with Australian peat and mallee root, imparting a subtle yet pervasive woody smoke. This profile has a peculiar familiarity for Australian palates, strongly evoking the scent of eucalyptus bushfires, which I believe contributes significantly to its local popularity. I find Iniquity to be interesting at times but rarely captivating. It possesses a unique profile, with noticeable sulphur and feinty notes often present in most batches. “Average”: 79/100 (2.75 stars)