The Upshot of it all is….
There is always a bit of excitement around The Whisky List’s water cooler (which is filled with New Make, FYI, not water) when something previously untested (untasted!) shows up. Throw in the fact it’s Australian AND Cask Strength and the heavy breathing commences.
Today we are looking at two of the latest releases from our friends in the west, Whipper Snapper Distillery. One of only a handful of Aussie producers making Whiskey which pays homage to American whiskey, Upshot has become known for its super approachable spirit and relative affordability. Having come into possession of a sample of the limited Cask Strength release and a recent regular strength offering, it seemed like the right (write?) thing to do was to drink some. Oh…. and try and jot down some thoughts about what we experienced.
Upshot Australian Whiskey — Batch 19
Australian Whiskey
700ml, 43% ABV
Owner: Whipper Snapper Distillery
Made using local (WA) grown cereals (corn, wheat and malted barley) and fully produced onsite including mashing, fermenting and distillation in a custom copper continuous still and matured for at least two years in charred, American white oak barrels.
Nose: Beeswax furniture polish, freshly mown hay, apple pie (spices, pastry and caramelised granny smith apples)
Palate: Similar to the batch tasted back in April “ Soft vanilla and honey, sawdust and pepper, with very soft delicate granny smith apple and some walnut/pecan dryness in the mix” but more integrated and balanced with a malty caramel note enveloping everything and tying it together.
This new version of the standard Upshot is seriously impressive stuff and now with it’s more rounded character a good drop to share with those friends that only drink American whiskies as it more than holds it own against anything from the USA in its price bracket.
Upshot Australian Whiskey — Cask Strength
Australian Whiskey
700ml, 64% ABV
Owner: Whipper Snapper Distillery
Nose: Would not guess the ABV based on how easy this is to ‘nose’ without getting a nostril searing hit of ethanol — good stuff. Even though there is no Rye, getting the floral/white pepper combo usually associated with American Rye whiskies, followed by eucalyptus and honey and freshly cut pine. A hint of darker sugars underneath (old school pan made toffee).
Palate: Ok. Gloves are off here. Flavour starts on Jersey caramels and honey on the tip of the tongue getting spicier as it moves to the back of the mouth with a creamy beeswax taste and feel with nutmeg and the ‘zingy’ grassiness of lemon grass (without the citrus notes if that makes sense). A bit of Cayenne pepper on the very back palate, fused with vanilla wafers and a pleasing dry wood finish (reminiscent of a dry Chardonnay). Exercise caution if serving to palates not familiar with cask strength whiskies as this has a lot going on!
