Meet the first Australian whisky to be matured in amphorae

Wines have been matured in clay amphorae for thousands of years - and now whisky is being made the same way. 

Callington Mill is set to unveil a limited-release batch of Australia’s first Amphora Single Malt Whisky, available only via ballot. 

This 4,000-year-old technique is being revived for whisky production at Callington Mill in Tasmania. 

Crafted at the Oatlands distillery, the Amphora Single Malt Whisky has been rested in 350-litre amphorae for two years in the distillery’s ‘Serendipity Room’. 

The natural properties and shape of the amphorae work to gently refine the whisky, the catalyst for what the distillery says is "an unmatched smoothness and purity".

“We made sure when we started this amphora process two years ago that we picked a liquid worth the wait," says Callington Mill distiller Blair Whitehead. 

"It’s about letting the spirit speak for itself and seeing what character starts to shine through when you treat it with this kind of care. 

”The idea for our Amphora Single Malt came about naturally, really. We’re always exploring ways to honour tradition while pushing things forward. Amphorae have been used for thousands of years to soften and mature wines and spirits, so we thought 'why not apply that same thinking to our already expressive whiskies?' ”

This mature single malt whisky begins its journey in a blend of sherry, tokay, and brandy casks before being transferred into one of the three amphorae.

 

The Callington Mill Amphora Single Malt Whisky ballot is open at www.callingtonmilldistillery.com. 

Ballot winners will be drawn between 11-13.  Fewer than 1,000 bottles will be released at $199.

Tamar Ridge releases new super-premium pinot

Leading Tasmanian wine producer Tamar Ridge has launched a new super-premium flagship pinot noir in time for the festive season. 

The 2022 Grand Assemblage is described as the best red wine Tamar Ridge has made and is a blend of seven parcels selected from over 100 barrels by winemaker Tom Wallace. 

"With Grand Assemblage, we wanted to create a pinot noir that truly showcases the pinnacle of what we can achieve at Tamar Ridge," Wallace says. 

"It's a wine that reflects our deep understanding of this variety, our commitment to meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques, and the unique character of our Tasmanian environment.” 

Wallace talks of "alluring aromas of wild strawberries, bright red fruits and subtle spice". 

"This wine is an absolute joy to experience," he says. "The aromatics are captivating, and the palate is a beautiful dance of fruit, spice and earthy complexity. It's a wine that will reward those who take the time to savour it, revealing new layers of flavour and nuance with every sip.” 

The 2022 Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir is available now for $180 per bottle exclusively from the Tamar Ridge cellar door or online at tamarridge.com.au.

It is one of the most expensive still wines made in Tasmania, a list that is headed by Glaetzer-Dixon's limited-release La Judith wines at $220 a bottle.