From the quiet warehouses of world-acclaimed distillery Sullivans Cove comes an extraordinary expression: 17 Year Old French Oak ex-Tawny Single Cask (TD0297), bottled at 61.3% ABV cask strength. Filled in July 2008 and matured for over 17 years, this first-of-its-kind French oak release yielded only 343 bottles.
Cask strength releases remain exceptionally rare at Sullivans Cove. At 17 years of age, this marks the first whisky of this maturity to be bottled at cask strength, a distinction reserved for whiskies of extraordinary depth and composure.
“This was a cask that demanded very little intervention. After more than seventeen years in French oak, it had developed remarkable depth and composure, and bottling it at cask strength allowed us to share it exactly as we encountered it in the warehouse. Releases like this are rare for Sullivans Cove, but when a cask shows this level of character and resonance, it deserves to be experienced in its fullest form,” says Heather Tillott, Distillery Manager at Sullivans Cove.
French Oak ex-Tawny is a storied maturation style for Sullivans Cove, revered for its depth and complexity ever since a Sullivans Cove French Oak single cask made history in 2014 as the first whisky from a distillery outside Scotland and Japan to be named World’s Best Single Malt. Today, these casks are seldom seen and highly sought after by collectors around the world. This release offers that celebrated style in its most commanding form – presented at cask strength.
The whisky is a slow conversation between spirit and oak – years of craftsmanship shaped by cool Tasmanian winters and quiet summers. Each bottle is presented in a handcrafted solid blackwood box and includes a letter from Distillery Manager Heather Tillott, underscoring the craft, patience, and precision behind every drop.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Grapefruit skin, old Barossa Tawny depth, glace pineapple, candied apple, walnuts, and Sullivans Cove’s signature waxy, snuffed-candle character. A splash of water brings orange, sourdough, and delicate floral lift.
Palate: Full-bodied and oily, with kumquat, green apple, lychee, and gentle mint. Water reveals nougat, cantaloupe, more grapefruit, cola, and a subtle hint of curry leaf.
Finish: Choc-orange, jasmine, borage, shortbread, gingerbread, musky rose petals, and Pu’erh tea. Dilution reveals an intriguing aloe vera note.
“A rich, dark, and complex single cask, where bold cask influence meets a naturally full spirit. The interplay of savoury, fruity, and citrus elements is well-structured, with integrated tannin and oak. Every component stands confidently, yet harmoniously, making this a compelling, multi-dimensional whisky,” says Heather Tillott, Distillery Manager.
Limited to 343 bottles globally, exclusively via Sullivanscove.com
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