Everything
What’s the saying? Ageing like a fine wine? Couldn’t be a better time to update that cliche after Tasmanian-based distiller Sullivans Cove sets yet another new benchmark in Australian whisky, unveiling its 24-year-old single-cask whisky, HH0004. The distillery’s latest release surpasses its previous 22-year-old record-holder, marking a remarkable milestone in the brand’s 30-year history. This batch is a celebration of meticulous care and the culmination of nearly a quarter of a century of maturation in an American oak second-fill barrel.
HH0004 is the embodiment of Sullivans Cove’s philosophy: each cask is unique, representing decades of nurturing and an unwavering commitment to quality. Distilled in the distillery’s fifth year of operation, this whisky spent 24 years in the bond store. It was sampled 19 times in the last three years to ensure perfect timing for bottling, embodying Sullivans Cove’s hallmark flavours of depth and complexity.
“Our 24-year-old whisky is a true labour of love and patience,” says Sullivan’s Cove managing director Adam Sable. “Reflecting our obsession with producing the best whisky possible without compromise.”
“The crafting of truly great single-cask whisky is a journey of engagement,” adds distillery manager Heather Tillott. “The people involved must be engaged with the liquid and the process through every season of the expedition, using their senses to listen to the maturation and asking: What does this spirit need to reach its full potential?”
Limited to just 335 bottles, this whisky will be available exclusively through an online ballot for mailing list subscribers. Priced at $2500 per bottle, the ballot opens on 20th May 2024.
HH0004 opens with a symphony of floral and dark treacle aromas interwoven with spices and a rich tapestry of savoury and sweet notes. The nose is met with buttered popcorn, maple syrup, and a jammy blend of cherry and strawberry. Tropical undertones of frangipani, pineapple, and coconut hint at a summery sweetness, complemented by notes of gingerbread, cinnamon, and cacao as the whisky breathes.
On the palate, an incredibly thick, oily texture carries flavours of walnuts, hazelnuts, and toasted almonds. A burst of honey, oak spice, and aloe vera mingles with hints of chamomile and mint, giving way to sweet marshmallow and caramel notes. The finish is long, with leathery vanilla and cantaloupe, enlivened by flashes of lemon and rose perfume.
Founded in 1994, Sullivans Cove is a pioneer in the Australian whisky scene. Known for its rigorous attention to detail, the distillery has won accolades including World’s Best at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014, 2018, and 2019. Using only local ingredients and refusing to adhere to strict timelines, the team at Sullivans Cove crafts each batch to perfection, with no two casks alike.
To join the mailing list for the exclusive ballot and learn more about the distillery’s latest offerings, visit sullivanscove.com.
