Nose

Entry is American Oak forward, opening with chocolate éclair, heaps of brine (Sullivans Cove spirit rearing its head), coffee cake and cream cheese icing. With air, the profile begins to soften around the edges and release a full bowl of fruit – peaches charred in a cast iron pan, flamed orange peel, and red apple skins. The mid notes are woody, earthy, and briny with notes of orange and poppyseed cake, bonito flakes and a sweet, green edge. Overall this is quite a fruity nose with lots of dark corners and oak-driven complexities.

Palate

Oily and buttery spirit carries a pop of brine over from the nose and swells straight into vibrant fruits, a little on the tart side (plum skins) and confectionery. Lolly snakes, stewed apples with cinnamon and more orange cake meet a touch of dry oak with an overall incredibly broad and interesting structure. A base of leathery, vanillic depth (profiteroles, vanilla slice and old leather jacket) rest below all, while at the back there is a wave of sherbet, peach pastel candies and coconut buns.

Finish

American Oak leads the way with dark chocolate, tiramisu, toasted sourdough and cut grass, as the oak hardens, a wave of warm leathery vanilla comes along and collides with juicy cantaloupe - a beautiful and balanced moment of oak and spirit working together. The finish trails off with long length, more peach and a delightful note of toasted banana bread.