In the heart of Melbourne, amidst the cacophony of a modern metropolis, a bastion of rebellion simmers with quiet defiance. Bakery Hill Distillery, a family-owned haven of craft, stands as a defiant testament to the pursuit of exceptional whisky, Australian-made and world-class. Their story is one of unwavering commitment, a spirit that echoes the very essence of the Eureka Stockade, a historical uprising etched into the nation's soul. Here, amidst the towering steel and glass, Bakery Hill raises a flag for the handcrafted, the unorthodox, the whisky born from a rebellious spirit.
Bakery Hill is more than just a distillery; it's a defiant roar against the ordinary. Since its inception, they've embarked on a audacious mission: to shatter the notion that exceptional whisky can only hail from the hallowed grounds of Scotland. Within the confines of Bakery Hill, compromise is a forgotten notion.
Every step – from meticulous sourcing of local barley to unyielding ageing in carefully chosen casks – is a meticulous ode to creating liquid gold.
David Baker, the founder of Bakery Hill distillery, mirrors the ingenuity and determination of Walter White from Breaking Bad, albeit with a far more noble pursuit. Both share a background in chemistry and a passion for demonstrating that their craft can transcend traditional boundaries. Baker, a former chemistry teacher, was driven by a desire to challenge the notion that exceptional whisky could only be produced in Scotland due to its 'special air and water.'
Much like Walter White, who used his scientific expertise to produce high-quality methamphetamine, Baker utilized his knowledge to prove that world-class whisky could be crafted in Melbourne, Australia. Over the decades, Bakery Hill has succeeded in this mission, educating Victorians and whisky enthusiasts globally on the true art of whisky making, thus establishing a reputation for producing remarkable spirits.
A Signature Symphony: The Classics Take Center Stage
The Bakery Hill Signature Range is the soul of the distillery laid bare. These iconic single malts, nurtured with unwavering dedication by founder David Baker, have garnered accolades for over two decades. Crafted in the time-honoured tradition of Scottish Highland whiskies, each expression is a symphony of simplicity – malted barley, yeast, water – transformed by time spent slumbering in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. But Bakery Hill doesn't simply mimic; they infuse their own unique character.
The way David Baker channels his alchemy results in tapestry of handcrafted masterpieces, where tradition seamlessly blends with Bakery Hill's audacious personality. Take a sip of the Classic Malt Whisky, and a timeless melody of honeyed malt and toasted oak dances on the nose, leading to a rich, layered palate of toffee, dried fruits, and a whisper of spice. The lingering finish is a gentle warmth, infused with a touch of vanilla, a testament to their commitment to crafting a timeless classic.
A Symphony on the Palate: Where Flavour Reigns Supreme
Every sip of Bakery Hill's whisky is a culmination of their dedication and artistry. It's a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence, a story whispered on the palate.
The Classic Malt Whisky: A timeless melody of honeyed malt and toasted oak dances on the nose, leading to a rich, layered palate of toffee, dried fruits, and a whisper of spice. The lingering finish is a gentle warmth, infused with a touch of vanilla.
The Peated Malt Whisky: A captivating symphony for the bold palate. An aroma of smoky autumn campfire leads to waves of earthy peat, dark chocolate, and a hint of brine. The robust harmony prevails on the palate, culminating in a harmonious finish.
The Double Wood Whisky: An exploration of duality, where tradition and innovation intertwine. The nose unveils a bouquet of vanilla, caramel, and subtle spices, while the palate harmonizes honeyed sweetness, dried fruits, and the interplay of rich maltiness with two oak casks. The crescendo finish leaves a craving for more.
Unveiling the Cask Strength Collection: A Sensory Expedition Awaits
Bakery Hill's Cask Strength Collection takes things up a notch, propelling the whisky experience into the realm of pure sensory adventure. Here, the complexities of the spirit are left unadulterated, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Bakery Hill's whisky and it is where our favourite expressions are situated.
A Nocturne in Amber: The Classic Malt Cask Strength
In the hushed reverence of a dimly lit room, a single snifter awaits. Within its depths lies not merely whisky, but an unbridled elixir – the Bakery Hill Classic Malt Cask Strength.
Untouched by dilution, it emerges from the cask a symphony of pure, double-distilled spirit, its voice unadulterated and bold. A chorus of whispers – vanilla, almond, and a hint of citrus – introduces the first act, a mere suggestion before the full orchestra takes the stage.
Imagine, if you will, the hallowed halls of the Melbourne distillery. Here, Australian barley, meticulously transformed,rests within American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, once graced by the fiery spirit of Jack Daniels in Tennessee. Years whisper by, each one leaving its mark on the maturing whisky. The result is the literally a liquid sunset – amber gold, shimmering with the promise of untold riches.
This is a libation for the connoisseur, a paean to the legacy of Speyside and Highland scotches. Names like Macallan and Glenfiddich dance on the tongue, a reminder of the lineage Bakery Hill so proudly upholds. Close your eyes, and for a fleeting moment, you might believe yourself transported to the very heart of the bond store, where the essence of this spirit resides.
The first sip is a revelation. A satin-smooth caress of malt unfolds on the palate, interwoven with whispers of vanilla and the comforting warmth of cocoa. Memories surface – spiced Turkish Delight, its sweetness balanced by a cleansing zestiness.
The finish is a lingering caress, a profundo that speaks of the malt's opulence. At 60% ABV, it's a fiery proclamation of authenticity, a spirit that refuses to be tamed.
A Symphony of Smoke: The Peated Malt Cask Strength
For the truly adventurous palate and much to our delight, Bakery Hill offers the Peated Malt Cask Strength – a bold odyssey bottled and unleashed. This is the embodiment of the distillery's rebellious spirit, a whisky that wears its peaty heart on its sleeve.
Imagine the rugged Scottish Highlands, where barley is imbued with the earthy essence of smoldering peat fires. This smoky influence travels with the spirit as it slumbers within American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, each year adding depth and complexity.
The colour is a rich russet, reminiscent of twilight's embrace. Upon approach, the nostrils are tickled by a mélange of peat, earthy and rich, intermingling with notes of leathery earthiness.
Hints of kumquat and fruit mince tart add a touch of festive cheer, a playful counterpoint to the smoke's intensity.
Layers of tobacco leaf earthiness intertwine with the smoky complexity on the top of the mouth, each note urging you to take another. The finish is a crescendo of boldness, an intricate dance of flavours that lingers long after the last drop has been savoured.
With every sip of Bakery Hill's Cask Strength expressions, you're not just savouring whisky; you're experiencing the culmination of years of expertise. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to crafting art in every drop, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Bakery Hill's expressions are exclusively distributed by Cerbaco.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Bakery Hill Distillery and That Boutique-y Whisky Company.