Whipper Snapper Wheat Whiskey

The two serious distilleries in Western Australia are Limeburners in the south and Whipper Snapper in the city. Whipper Snapper's main range reminds me of American Bourbon due to its mostly corn mash bill and aging for 2 years and a day in new American Oak. They offer 'Crazy Uncle Moonshine' (a white spirit), the barrel-aged version, Upshot, and Upshot cask strength. Recently, they've experimented with French and Hungarian oak finishes, and different grain whiskies like red corn, quinoa, and this wheat whisky. My lab was recently very close to this distillery, and I visited for the second time since 2018. I tried a tasting flight of Quinoa, Wheat, Cask Strength, and Red Corn. Unfortunately, I had to rush through the last two due to a cocktail class. I'll need to revisit for those. This review focuses on Whipper Snapper Wheat Whiskey. This is believed to be Australia's first wheat whiskey, and possibly the only one. The owners have strong ties to Western Australian agriculture, sourcing wheat from their hometowns, which provides excellent provenance. This bottle is made from Hard Red Winter Wheat, grown near Narrogin in Western Australia's wheat belt. This high-protein grain contributes silky smooth, honey-rich qualities. It's aged longer than their usual offerings, for four years in Char #3 Virgin American White Oak barrels. Nose: Dust. The initial aroma is literally dust, like the mealy powder at the bottom of a fresh bag of porridge oats. It's an odd scent that's hard to place, though not entirely unpleasant. Beyond the dust, there's a hay barn scent (a different kind of dust), accompanied by a faint floral perfume. It's very delicate and easily overwhelmed. Brown sugar provides a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of a pantry shelf where baking supplies are kept. The dust note is prominent, but beneath it lies something refined and delicate. Palate: Unexpected. It's thick, rich, and creamy with an oily texture that coats the mouth. There's a generous amount of rum and raisin ice cream, abundant maple syrup, vanilla, and caramel notes, along with a hint of perfumed wood and an unidentifiable baking spice. Nothing is distinct; everything merges together. While not exceptionally complex or deep, the elements are well-executed and harmonize perfectly. Finish: Medium-short. Thick and coating. It offers churned honey (more savory than sweet), dried fruit, and a touch of cherry. I believe Whipper Snapper has done an excellent job here, focusing on a straightforward concept: locally sourced, homegrown simplicity. They haven't resorted to pretentious gimmicks. A single grain, a high-quality cask, aged for four years in a warehouse experiencing significant temperature fluctuations, resulting in a delightful spirit. This stands out as an exceptional grain whisky, comparable to Archie Rose Malted Rye. While perhaps not as exciting or flavorful, it's still very good, despite being more expensive by $20. I highly recommend trying it if you have the opportunity. It also won the world whisky award for best single grain, single cask this year, which is noteworthy.