New small batch whisky series by Cape Byron Distillery launches with Viognier Cask.
Viognier Cask, the third whisky released by Cape Byron Distillery, is the first of a new ‘small batch’ series by the popular rainforest distillery and combines whiskies matured for over three years in Australian Viognier casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Viognier is a white wine grape varietal originating in Southern France and often used to add texture in blends. It has a heady perfume and exotic fruit characters. The French oak Viognier casks used in this Cape Byron expression are sourced from certified organic wine producer, Inkwell Wines, McLaren Vale, and consequently have notes of white peach, ginger and bergamot delicately permeating into the liquid.
Eddie Brook explains, “Our whisky lives and breathes the conditions of the dense subtropical rainforest here in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Our barrels have lay wait within the rainforest and take in all of the elements throughout their maturation. We have something here that is truly unique”.
Individually numbered, the Viognier Cask will see only 1,150 bottles hitting shelves.
Other expressions marked for the new series include whisky aged in:
- American oak ex-bourbon barrels that have also contained Cape Byron’s macadamia liqueur, Mac.
- French oak wine casks hand-selected by industry expert and Master Distiller, Jim McEwan – known colloquially as ‘The Cask Whisperer’.
Since launching 2022, Cape Byron Whisky has received a host of international awards including ‘Platinum, Best of Class’, at the SIP awards, a consumer-based competition and ‘Best New Launched Product’, Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIAs) 2023 and Gold Medals at San Francisco Spirits Competition & The Ultimate Spirits Challenge USA.
Summary of Tasting Notes
The palate on Cape Byron ‘Viognier Cask’ Australian Single Malt Whisky, offers buttered croissant, mocha, papaya and charred peach, has a deep hue influenced by Australian viognier casks and is bottled at 46% ABV in a 700ml format. There are 1,150 bottles. RRP $149.99.
Cape Byron Whisky is available on their website, at the cellar door in Byron Bay, premium bars and independent liquor retailers.
About Cape Byron Distillery
Highly awarded distillery, located in the hinterland of Byron Bay on a 95-acre macadamia farm and 35-year-old regenerated subtropical rainforest. The Distillery’s cellar door provides guided tours of both the rainforest and distillery with gin & whisky tastings and cocktails, served at the bar and balcony which overlooks the property. Awarded as the 2020 ’Sustainable Distillery of the Year,’ and B Corp certified, they are passionate about rainforest regeneration and minimizing impact on the environment.
About Jim McEwan & Eddie Brook
Jim McEwan, ‘The Cask Whisperer’, is often referred to as the Bruce Springsteen of the whisky industry. With over 57 years experience in the distilling industry, winning countless awards and accolades. Jim is the only distiller in the world to win Master Distiller of the year three times and in 2014 was given a Hall of Fame lifetime achievement award. He truly is a master of his craft. The whisky feature film, The Water of Life chronicling Jim’s incredible distilling career captures some scenes filmed at Cape Byron Distillery a legacy for Jim.
Eddie Brook grew up regenerating rainforest on his family farm in the hinterland of Byron Bay, where the Distillery now lies. From this upbringing he acquired a passion for native Australian rainforest fruits and flavours. With more than 10 years of experience in the spirit industry and 15 years in the food industry, Eddie has been trained in the art of distillation and mentored by Jim McEwan.
