drinks

Australian distilleries have made significant inroads on the fine whisky map. while there’s been a small-batch renaissance on the mainland, it’s Tasmania that has for the past 25 years dominated both the local market and international awards.

New World whiskies from Tasmania.

nant Pinot noir CaSk WhiSky

The unique blends of aromas and flavour profiles that define Nant distillery’s expressions are typified by its Pinot Noir Cask whisky. with a nose of caramelised sugars and almond, marzipan and sweet maraschino; a palate that is clean, crisp and spicy with notes of vanilla, apples, pears and honey; and a spicy finish with a smooth, oily vanilla mouthfeel, this stylish whisky was awarded silver at the 2015 world spirit awards. www.nant.com.au

SullivanS Cove ameriCan oak, ex-BourBon Single malt Single CaSk WhiSky

This whisky was twice awarded the Best whisky in the rest of the world and is the very first australian whisky to make it to liquid Gold status in Jim murray’s whisky Bible. This single cask, non-filtered whisky is matured in american oak ex-bourbon barrels. it features distinct malt, spice and nutty notes on the nose; a round and creamy palate with sweet barley and fruit; and a long, honeyed finish.www.sullivanscovewhisky.com

The world’s most expensive whisky

in the world of top-shelf whisky, sometimes it’s simply rarity, rather than age, that marks the best. The macallan imperiale “m” whisky was sold for Us$628,205 and set a new record for the most expensive single-malt ever sold at auction in the process. held in a six-litre lalique crystal decanter, the “m” took the scottish distillery’s whisky-maker two years to masterfully select seven casks from nearly 200,000 ranging from 75 to 25 years old to be blended and create “m”. www.themacallan.com