Nick Brown wrote:Have just picked up a bottle of Hellyer's Road. First impression is that it noses very much like a European whisky with that slightly musty, sweaty trainers kind of smell. A bit like the Breton whiskies. There are also hints of solvent and vanilla. Perhaps a touch floral. On the palate it is initially quiet but then a wave of perfumed floral flavours; overripe cantaloupe melon, a touch of bitterness - perhaps coffee or caramel (but not from colouring as the whisky is the colour of light straw). Quite cool and creamy, mint? licorice? Very elegant indeed. The finish is smooth, creamy, coffee fudge.
My favourite Hellyer's Road whisky is the Pinot Noir Finish Single Malt. It's an incredibly interesting, complex single malt.
The pinot noir cask finish gives it a very unique 'rain forest' characteristic on the nose. Hard to describe, but if you've ever smelt the aroma of rainforest trees surrounding you and moss and leaves covering the ground beneath you - then perhaps you can imagine the smell! Also notes of dark chocolate and a hint of spice on the nose, along with a slight berry character (strawberry).
Notes of dark chocolate on the palate, bush pepper (a plant native to Australia, common in the Tasmanian rainforest - like black pepper but more subtle and complex); vanilla pod and dark berries (wild strawberries and blackberries perhaps). The whisky is bottled at just over 46% abv which translates well on the palate with a full, rich flavour.
I would be keen to hear feedback from others who've tried this whisky!
