Upshot Australian Whiskey

During a visit to Whipper Snapper Distillery near Perth, Western Australia, I sampled their Wheat and Quinoa whiskies, along with the Upshot, Upshot Cask Strength, and Red Corn Upshot. Regrettably, the latter three were tasted too quickly. Thankfully, being quite close to the distillery, I returned today for a more leisurely tasting, allowing ample time for consideration and enjoyment. My impressions of the Wheat and Quinoa, noted further down, revealed intriguing spirits worth seeking out. The standard lineup from Whipper Snapper includes 'Crazy Uncle Moonshine,' a new make white spirit, its Barrel Aged variation, and the Upshot and Upshot Cask Strength. I also included the Upshot Red Corn for this evaluation, making it five spirits in total. This is the third stage in the Whipper Snapper range, aged for two years and one day after the initial new make spirit, in virgin American oak. It proudly uses 100% Western Australian grains: 80% corn, 10% malted barley, and 10% wheat. It's craft distilled and released as single barrels. Nose: The new make is no longer apparent. The aroma is intriguingly perfumed with wood notes (cedar/sandalwood) and butterscotch, specifically like Angel Delight butterscotch – a familiar taste for those who know. The texture of the nose feels thick, like toffee cream. It's not vibrant, but it still evokes a summery feel. Palate: The mouthfeel is thick, sticky, and creamy. It possesses the delightful textures and buttery notes of wooded Chardonnay, perfectly blended with the sweetness of crème brûlée, plus hints of nutmeg, toffee, and caramel. It's moreish and easy to drink, though the kick is perhaps a bit strong for only 43%. Finish: Moderate in length, clean, and precise. There's a touch of tannic spice, vanilla, and a smooth fudge texture, with enough sweetness to resemble maple syrup on pancakes. Adding a few drops of water or an ice cube, though unnecessary, will intensify the vanilla on the nose. The palate will become thicker and more wood-forward (that buttery note is fantastic), and this character will persist through a slightly shorter finish. I'm a fan. This spirit is essentially Australian bourbon, and I approve. I also feel it closely replicates the experience of turning breakfast maple pancakes into a highly drinkable liquid. It's a dangerous spirit; proceed with caution if you have plans later in the day, as I suspect you'll be enjoying it generously. (Please note the incorrect bottle image for the distillery entry. The bottle shown is the initial release, costing over AUD$800. The standard bottle features a black and gold design, as seen in my photo.) Whisky Taste Entry #118

This was number 3 on the Whipper Snapper tasting flight. Being slightly older than its lower-strength counterpart, it had a more pronounced wood tannin and nutmeg character. There was another note I couldn't identify. Adding water opened it up and softened the tannins. Another successful attempt. I ended up buying a bottle of this and opened it later with my brother-in-law in Melbourne. I enjoyed it even more on its own. A very good example of its type.

Aroma: Strong sweet caramel and vanilla, with an almost floral quality upon first impression. Palate: The sweetness fades into some spice in the middle. The body is thin. Finish: A medium-length finish that carries the spice from the palate into an oaky/woody direction. It's clearly very young; I'm curious to see what they produce as older or cask-strength versions become available.

Allow it to sit in the glass for a while, and it becomes more expressive. Notes of spice, pear, and honey emerge. The sweetness is immediately apparent on the tip of the tongue. The spice lingers, leaving you with a sweet and spicy sensation, accompanied by vanilla.

Intriguing and complex, starting with a bite that gives way to a smooth character as you drink more, revealing different flavors over time. Excellent value.

Sweet aroma with the scent of toffee carrying over to the palate. A taste that lingers long after the last sip. A fantastic debut from Perth!