The Antelope & Hi Liquor 2018 Sullivans Cove 7 Year Old White Wine Single Cask Single Malt Australian Whisky

An exceptional and wonderfully unconventional expression from one of Australia's most celebrated whisky distilleries, The Antelope & Hi Liquor 2018 Sullivans Cove 7 Year Old White Wine Single Cask Single Malt Australian Whisky showcases a fascinating side of Tasmanian whisky through its distinctive wine-cask maturation.

Distilled in 2018 and matured for seven years, this exclusive single cask was selected for The Antelope and Hi Liquor Australia, bringing together a shared appreciation for individuality, exceptional whisky and casks that offer something genuinely different.

Unlike the rich, vanilla-driven character commonly associated with American oak or the dark-fruit intensity of traditional sherry maturation, this white wine cask expression presents a wonderfully unusual combination of dried plums, delicate mint, savoury undertones and assertive spice.

The result is a robust, characterful and thought-provoking Australian single malt that rewards exploration. Its intriguing balance of fruit, spice, subtle sulphury notes and distinctive savoury complexity makes this a particularly compelling release for whisky enthusiasts seeking something beyond the conventional.

Distillery: Sullivans Cove Distillery
Selected For: The Antelope, Hi Liquor Australia & Friends
Vintage: 2018
Age: 7 Years Old
Cask Number: SC0808
ABV: 65.4%
Cask Type: White Wine Cask
Maturation Style: Wine Cask Maturation

Established in 1994, Sullivans Cove has played an instrumental role in establishing Tasmania as one of the world's most exciting whisky-producing regions. The distillery gained international recognition in 2014 when its French Oak single cask was named World's Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards, marking a significant milestone for the Australian whisky industry.

While the distillery is particularly renowned for its American Oak and French Oak expressions, wine-cask maturation offers an intriguing opportunity to explore a different dimension of its Tasmanian single malt.

Selected exclusively for The Antelope, Hi Liquor Australia and Friends, this release reflects a shared philosophy of discovering whiskies with individuality and character, rather than simply selecting casks that conform to traditional expectations.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: An intriguing and wonderfully distinctive aroma, opening with dried plums, powdered plum and a delicate savoury character. A very subtle sulphury sensation introduces an unusual complexity, accompanied by a gentle lactic tang that adds another dimension to the fruit profile. As the whisky develops in the glass, a fascinating papery aroma emerges, reminiscent of freshly printed books and new paper. Warming spices gradually become more prominent, introducing a pungent and slightly peppery character, while a delicate touch of fresh mint provides an unexpected lift. A complex and unconventional bouquet that balances dried fruit, savoury nuances and aromatic spice.

Palate: Robust, substantial and generously textured, immediately revealing a more pronounced expression of the subtle sulphury character detected on the nose. Rich dried plum and tangy plum powder form the centre of the palate, bringing together concentrated fruit sweetness and a distinctive savoury edge. The white wine cask influence contributes an unusual complexity, while assertive aromatic spices develop alongside gentle peppery warmth. Subtle lactic notes remain present, adding depth to the whisky's character without overwhelming the fruit. A faint minty freshness gradually emerges, providing contrast to the whisky's substantial body and warming spice.

Finish: A warming, spice-led conclusion, with lingering dried plum, savoury fruit and gentle pepper. The subtle sulphury character gradually softens, leaving behind a delicate minty freshness and a pleasantly dry, aromatic finish.