Launceston 5 yo - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Volume: 0.5 litres | Alcohol content: 62.6% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

An ex-bourbon Barrel shaped the five-year maturation of this single malt from Launceston Distillery. That Boutique-y Whisky Company selected it for the Australian Return to Oz collection and bottled Batch 1 at a cask strength of 62.6%. The release comprises 187 individually numbered bottles, each containing 0.5 litres. The whisky is non-chill filtered, contains no added colouring and comes in gift packaging.

The illustrated label features a four-legged companion from the distillery in an unusual job interview: Angus, distiller Chris Condon’s West Highland Terrier, interviews a Tasmanian devil for a position on the distillery’s security team.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, the whisky recalls custard cream biscuits, alongside hints of green banana and heavily chargrilled pineapple.
• Palate: The banana becomes sweeter on the palate, accompanied by caramelised brown sugar. A spicy note reminiscent of herbs and leaves complements the sweetness.
• Finish: The medium-length finish leaves lingering vanilla sweetness.

Distillery/Bottler:

Launceston Distillery was founded in 2013 by five friends and investors, with whisky production beginning in 2015. It is based in Hangar 17 at Launceston Airport in Tasmania. Built in 1932, the building served as the departure hall until the current terminal opened in 1968. Today, both whisky production and maturation take place there.

Distiller Chris Condon brings experience as a brewer. The barley comes from northern Tasmania, while the water is drawn from the nearby South Esk River. The brewing equipment and pot stills were also made on the island, in Hobart. Spherical enlargements in the necks of both stills encourage reflux during distillation, helping to create a delicate spirit character. Tasmanian oak cladding helps retain heat.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company is an independent bottler that selects whiskies from distilleries around the world and also creates its own blends. Its selection includes bottlings that depart from their distillery’s usual style, as well as whiskies from lesser-known producers. The hand-drawn labels tell stories about the distilleries, their people or the particular bottling.

Facts: