Sullivans Cove Unveils Australia's Oldest Single Malt Whisky

Sullivans Cove Distillery in Tasmania, Australia, has announced the release of its 25-year-old single malt whisky, establishing a new record for the oldest single malt whisky bottled in Australian history. This launch comprises two single cask whiskies distilled in 1999, signifying a major milestone for Sullivans Cove, the new world whisky category, and the development of the Australian modern whisky industry. Founded in 1994, Sullivans Cove Distillery is a pioneer of the Australian modern whisky industry, having garnered international acclaim, with its French Oak Cask winning World Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014.

This new 25-year-old whisky originates from two oak casks laid down in the distillery's early days by former Distillery Manager and owner Patrick Maguire. Maguire expressed that he did not anticipate any casks maturing for 25 years, at the time merely hoping that locally grown barley and Tasmania's pure water would serve as the foundation for crafting great whisky. Among these, Single Cask No HH0010, matured in a 300-liter American oak (Refill) cask, produced a total of 349 bottles and will be sold through a public lottery. Distillery Manager Heather Tillott described this whisky as a benchmark of balanced complexity and deliciousness, fully showcasing its aging and unique flavors. It is a key element of Sullivans Cove's meticulous maturation strategy and a testament to the history of whisky in Tasmania and even globally.

The other expression, Single Cask No HH0056, was matured in a 200-liter American oak (ex-Bourbon) cask, yielding only 134 bottles and is exclusively available to invited guests. Sullivans Cove attributes the exceptional quality of its whiskies to its unique production process, including long fermentation, distillation using Charentais-style alembic pot stills, and worm-tub condensation. The distillery also strictly adheres to maturing its spirit only in full-sized oak casks to ensure a slower, more harmonious integration of the liquid with the wood. Tillott added that this, combined with the mild local climate and extended maturation, creates the whisky's layered complexity and depth, embodying the spirit of early distillation and proving the power of patience and belief.

This release is considered a landmark moment for bottlings from non-traditional whisky-producing regions worldwide. Sullivans Cove CEO Andy Gaunt emphasized that this is not just a rare single cask whisky but a record of the distillery's history, demonstrating the results of patience and belief, and reflecting the current state of world whisky development. Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark also believes this exceptional whisky embodies the soul of Tasmanian whisky, shaped by the region's pristine environment, climate, and a culture of patience and craftsmanship.

2025-10-24

Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/sullivans-cove-unveils-australias-oldest-single-malt-whisky/