Sullivans Cove : American Oak Ex-Tawny Single Cask (TD0318)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Sullivans Cove American Oak Ex-Tawny Single Cask (TD0318)

Tasting

Nose
The aromatic bouquet unfolds gradually, revealing aromas of cocoa, coffee, and nuts, alongside flaxseed, dates, and coconut. Demerara sugar sits alongside cherry liqueur, dried fig, and ripe banana. Hints of honey, vanilla milkshake, orange zest, and dried apple round out this generous aromatic palette.

Palate
The attack is powerful and full-bodied. The palate develops notes of vine leaf, ripe plums, and banana, evolving toward a fruit salad. Creamy chocolate pralines mingle with raisins, dates, and dried figs, while oak spices bring structure and balance. The finish stretches on and on with persistence, marked by banana bread, nutmeg, and nuts. Blackberry jam and cocoa coat the final notes, leaving an impression of chocolate-covered raisins.

Food pairings and serving moments

This whisky is best enjoyed neat at room temperature to fully appreciate the complexity of its aromatic profile. A few drops of water can be added to release more aromas. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, caramelized dried fruits, or a platter of aged cheeses.

The refinement and expression of a Tasmanian single malt whisky aged in Tawny cask

Sullivans Cove: the excellence of Tasmanian whisky

Sullivans Cove, an Australian whisky distillery based in Hobart, has established itself as a benchmark for Tasmanian whisky. Taken over in 2004 by Patrick Maguire, the distillery achieved acclaim in 2014 when its French Oak Single Cask (HH0525) was named the world’s best single malt at the World Whiskies Awards. Majority-owned by Adam Sable since 2016, Sullivans Cove stands out for its single cask bottlings, meticulous maturation—particularly in French oak casks—and a constant pursuit of authenticity. Its international reputation rests on limited editions bottled without chill filtration or added coloring.

American Oak Ex-Tawny TD0318: an exceptional single cask

This Australian whisky is an ultra-limited edition of just 422 bottles. Distilled in September 2008 and bottled in April 2021, this single malt was aged for 13 years in a single 300-liter American oak cask that previously held Australian port-style fortified wine. This distinctive maturation gives the whisky its generous profile, characterized by notes of red fruits, chocolate, and dried fruits. The American oak cask contributes its signature caramel, vanilla, and bright wood character, while the influence of Tawny enriches the whole with sweet and spicy nuances. Presented in a luxurious box, this unpeated single cask bottled at 47.4% ABV embodies Sullivans Cove’s artisanal approach: each cask is individually selected and bottled without chill filtration or added coloring, ensuring the authenticity and uniqueness of every expression.