Kinglake Distillery isn't your average Aussie spirit slinger. Nestled amidst the untamed beauty of Kinglake – a tapestry of forest, farmland, and untamed wilderness – this distillery produces whisky that's as wild and uncompromising as its surroundings.
Founded in 2021 by a duo with a passion for both fine spirits and the off-the-grid lifestyle, Kinglake Distillery is all about capturing the essence of their unique terroir.
They use pristine water from a mountain stream on their property, its mineral richness infusing each dram with the land's DNA. Here, nature reigns supreme.
Unlike other distilleries that might resort to shortcuts, Kinglake embraces the uncontrollable elements.
Unfiltered water, natural yeasts, and even pollens from the surrounding gum trees all play a part in the whisky's creation.
This dedication to authenticity extends to their ageing process. Forget about artificially engineered scarcity and a rainbow of cask finishes. Kinglake focuses on ex-bourbon casks, allowing the spirit to mature at its own pace, respecting the time-honored traditions of Scottish whisky making.
But the real star of the show is their "Full Noise Cask Strength" expression.
This isn't a timid dram for the faint of heart. Clocking in at a hefty 61.5%, it's a flavour bomb born from a carefully selected mash bill. Three NSW-grown malts mingle with a heavily peated malt from Scotland, all aged for two years in ex-Makers Mark bourbon barrels.
The result?
An explosion of bold flavours that transcend the sum of their parts.
There's a certain "je ne sais quoi" to Kinglake's Full Noise, a unique character that sets it apart from the rest of the Australian whisky scene. Perhaps it's the local water, the subtle kiss of pollen, or the magic of Kinglake's microclimate.
Whatever the secret ingredient, it elevates this whisky to greatness, all at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Kinglake Distillery is on a mission to become the go-to for handcrafted Australian single malt, and with expressions like Full Noise, they're well on their way.
But for the truly adventurous whisky aficionado, there's an even more coveted expression and one we hope to yet get our paws on: the limited edition "See Ya Later Alligator." This heavily charred beast is shrouded in legend, a testament to Kinglake's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating whisky that's as wild as the land it comes from.
So, if you're looking for a whisky experience that's untamed, uncompromising, and bursting with flavor, then set your sights on Kinglake Distillery. Just be prepared for a wild ride – one sip and you'll understand why this distillery is quickly becoming the talk of the Australian whisky world.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Kinglake Distillery.