Old Kempton The Old Stables Single Malt Whisky (500ml)

40.5% ABV. This is named after the old stables located on the Dysart Estate, now the home of the distillery. Old Kempton’s wash is 100% Tasmanian-grown and malted barley, made a short drive away at Cambridge. Distiller Rob Tyson works very closely with the brewer from the outset to ensure it is made to measure. Like all the Whiskies at this distillery, the wash was then double-distilled in squat Knapp Lewer copper pot stills (made in Hobart). The spirit was then aged for five to six years before blending and bottling (in a combination of ex-Australian Tawny (around 60%) and Apera casks (20%), with the balance composed of Pinot Noir, Bourbon and a small proportion of fortified Shiraz.

Along with being the introduction to the Old Kempton story, this is also the fruitiest and most approachable in the range. The aromas are a lovely balance of raisin and citrus fruits, layered spice, green almond and hay notes. The palate opens up more of that malty character along with a graininess and just a whisper of cleansing medicinal touch. The texture is rich and buttery and it finishes dry and nutty, bursting with the flavour of pecan pie.