Nose

Opening with a prominent dark and rich depth, notes of pre-fill (Tawny) are immediately present – surprising due to the second-fill nature of this cask! Mingling with the toasty oak and citrus-forward Sullivans Cove spirit to present marmalade on raisin toast, fresh orange juice, morning bun and bread crusts. As the nose develops the French oak becomes more present as wafts of antique furniture, creaming soda and hazelnut cream rest below elevated fruit notes of melon and kiwi; the latter a nod back towards the ever-fruity Sullivans Cove spirit character.

Palate

Soft and supple entry notes of lavender and florals open to nutty orange peel and lemon oil. The oak provides a sturdy and broad structure with exceptionally well-integrated spices tingling the back palate as more juicy, spirit-driven notes eventuate in the form of pear, orange-soaked sponge cake and apricot jam. As the palate continues we see a rise of old, dusty chocolate-oak and toasted, hazelnut and almond nuances.

Finish

Carrying over the toasted nuts with a wave of aromatic spices (cinnamon, cassia bark, mace, cardamom), a rush of caramels and chocolate oak. The finish maintains the same broad structure of the palate, with the addition of notable salinity and hardened oak spice. As the oak profile hardens and grips, wafts of choc-orange and honey linger, providing generous length and balance.