Martell Blue Swift is the first-ever cognac VSOP matured in French oak barrels and finished in Kentucky bourbon casks. The delicate notes of candied fruit and plum, found in Martell VSOP, are complemented by the subtle sweetness of vanilla and toasted oak from the bourbon casks. The result is an exceptionally smooth interpretation of the Martell style, with a rounded taste and a unique character the most curious whiskey and cognac lover will enjoy discovering.

Co-created by one of Scotland’s most awarded Master Distillers, Jim McEwan, together with Cape Byron Distillery Co-founder and distiller Eddie Brook are two new Australian takes on a classic Scottish single malt. Many readers will already know of Jim McEwan who has more than fifty years of experience in the whisky business, having worked at Bowmore for 38 years, before overseeing the rebirth of Bruichladdich and most recently helping to get new Islay distillery, Ardnahoe, off the ground. Two editions are on offer: A Chardonnay barrelled limited edition, and this, the Cape Byron 'Original', aged in Scotland's traditional vessel of choice: American oak x-Bourbon casks. Says Brook, “They go together like a match made in heaven. [The whisky is] not overly dominated by the oak, it’s letting the spirit sing, and we’re seeing this marriage.” What partly accounts for the distinctive style is that the pair have resisted the temptation to use smaller barrels to ‘accelerate’ the ageing process. It's the opposite approach of most Australian distillers. “...We’ve got this climate that gives us faster maturation. Now that’s great, but it can also get too much, you can get too much tannin and then over-oaking in your whisky, ” Brook explains. "To avoid this, we only mature in full format barrels, between 200 to 300 litres in size". Specially designed warehousing facilities further offset Byron’s temperature extremes. According to McEwan, another factor is the distillery's proximity to the coast. “Walk down the barrel room... you’re getting that marine character and influence coming through" he says. "That moisture is falling on the oak staves, and slowly but surely, there’ll be a residue of salt and eventually as the whisky moves in and out, as the temperature increases, the alcohol will expand and it will touch the salt, and pull it back, and that brings a unique marine freshness to the spirit – quite different from anything else...” No surprise that McEwan reckons fans of Bruichladdich might taste some similarities in the Cape Byron spirit. “They’re not dissimilar. There’s no peat, [Eddie’s] using American oak, I used a lot of American oak Bourbon casks as well. I’ve used wine casks – and you’ve got all the wine casks there. There’s a similarity there between what I was doing in Islay and what Eddie’s doing here." As for the taste? Can't say there are many like this - either here or abroad - but you can appreciate why McEwen draws comparisons with Bruichladdich. Cape Byron's Original is a creamy, near voluptuous malt that defies its age. Peaches and cream come through with sweet barley and shortbread on the nose. The co-mingling of dried mango and juicy malt with the Bourbon vanilla aspects is nicely done, and there's a spicy edge adding vibrancy. At the finish, more peaches and cream, dried mango and a little grilled pineapple, pepper and coastal freshness develop. It's a whisky less about overt complexity, all about generous mouthfeel and precocious flavour. No doubt that equation will change over time. Right now, the creative forces behind the project have guaranteed one of the more compelling Aussie releases in recent years. Matured for three years in 200 litre ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks. 47% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 001 tasted. Notes from the producers... The colour of a Byron Bay sunset. The palate offers soft vanilla, creme brulee and biscotti characters, layered over distinct notes of pear, coconut and buttery macadamia.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey is the quintessential example of premium Irish Whiskey, and considered to be the purest form of the art. With a history dating back to 1903 when John Jameson & Company entered into an agreement with Gilbeys Wines & Spirits Import Company to supply new make whiskey which was then 'bonded' in old sherry and port casks. Single Pot Still whiskey is unique to Ireland and this exciting example is crafted from both malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in a traditional copper still. The result is a whiskey of unrivalled richness, complexity and smoothness. Hints of creaminess on the finish round out an true Irish Whiskey of pedigree.

Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 16 year old is aged for 16 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, then matured for several months in port wine barrels. The unique maturation process gives this single malt its distinct notes of juicy fruits, nuts and spice, as well as a hint of ruby redness. Its best enjoyed neat or over ice.

Creamy mouthfeel packed full of rich dark fruits and sweet malt notes, which give way to sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice. The whisky is matured in a combination of French and American oak ex-wine barrels plus finished in rare Morris Muscat barrels, previously used to create multi-award winning Muscat. COLOUR: Deep rich copper with reddish hues. NOSE: Rich with dates, figs and sweetness of dark molasses. PALATE: Well balanced and complex. Dried fig, sweet malt, vanilla and spices with creamy mouth feel. FINISH: Superb oak influence, lovely finish with satisfying after taste that lingers on the palate.

Suntory Hibiki 30 Year Old features a sweet delivery with a fullness of flavour enhanced by ripe fruit and a long, deep lingering finish. As a collectable item, each bottle is hand numbered and is presented in an elegant box. The Japanese Quality Whisky Society is proud to offer the largest allocation of this unique whisky available in Australia.

Nikka Whisky from the Barrel is one of the greatest value for money whiskies in the world. An incredibly powerful Japanese whisky. This is a fiery number and really packs a punch. With aromas of cedar and maple, it has an exploding mouthfeel showcasing cinnamon, dark chocolate, pepper and toffee.

Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Añejo Tequila is crafted using only the most mature blue agave harvested exclusively from the Casa Herradura estate. Produced by Casa Herradura, one of Mexicos most historic and renowned tequila producers, on the premises of a 19th century Hacienda in Amatitán, Jalisco. Aged for 49 months. A drink that keeps company with occasions.

Hobart Whisky Signature is a marriage of small carefully selected American oak ex-bourbon casks. A satisfying light ex-bourbon cask single malt that delights with a solid malty foundation, some gentle spice and a long, complex finish. Tasting Notes: Nose Freshly baked apple pie with cinnamon, raisins, sweet crust pastry and vanilla custard. Palate Marzipan icing with hints of vanilla bean over malty and clean oak foundations. Fizzy sherbet overtones lend this classic bourbon cask dram a lovely zing and brightness. A couple of drops of water serve to sweeten the sensation and open some subtle floral tones. Finish Long and clean with a lingering semi-sweet sherbet fizz with hints of almond providing a very pleasant semi- dry conclusion.

Miyagikyo Single Malt is described as soft and fruity. Using less peaty malt, this whisky is distilled in a pot still heated by indirect steam at a low temperature. Miyagikyo Single Malt has an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma with a strong Sherry cask influence.