Rebirth of Australian Whisky | Top Varieties You Should Try
If you haven’t heard, Australian whisky is back on global stage. Bigger and bolder than ever.
With a rich heritage and a distinctive approach to whisky-making. Australian distilleries are blending tradition with innovation. & making waves in the world of whisky.
But with so many fresh & award-winning choices. How do you know where to start?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with a must-try list of top 10 varieties. To shake up your taste buds and make you believe in the rebirth of Australian whisky.
At The Premium Selection, we deliver the magic in every bottle. From hidden treasures to bold new releases. We explored Australia’s whisky scene in detail to bring you bottles that tell a story.
Let’s get to some history lessons first.
A Brief History & Rebirth of Australian Whisky
Australia’s whisky journey began with the arrival of fleets in 1788. But at that time, coins and notes were short in supply. So, high taxes and prohibition gave our whisky dreams a big “nah, mate.” Few distilleries were opened. But soon they were shut down due to the restrictions of the 1862 Distillation Act.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and boom! Restrictions were lifted and Tasmanian distillers set a new standard for Australian whisky.
Today, the country’s distilleries have earned global accolades, known for blending high-quality local ingredients with innovative barrel-aging techniques.
Let’s find out what makes them unique.
What Sets Australian Whisky Apart?
Australian distilleries are scooping up awards faster than we can pour a dram.
How did they make their flavours shine in the world of varieties?
The short version of legal boundaries is that: It has to be a spirit made from cereal grain. That smells, tastes and looks like whisky (thank goodness). Aged in wood (like a barrel) for at least 2 years (no specific mention of oak). & bottled with as low as 37% ABV.
These loose regulations leave a huge room for innovations. Australian whisky makers are now blending local barley, pure Tasmanian water, and innovative cask finishes. Like ex-shiraz and pinot noir barrels.
As Australia is gifted with a climate that accelerates the maturation. So, our largest Australian whisky collection has a unique richness & intensity to traditional Scotch.
Now, its time to taste the top varieties we have compiled for you.
10 Must-Try Australian Whiskies
Each of these whiskies offers a unique experience. Highlighting the diversity and skill of Australian distillers. Discover your favourite below.
1. Starward Solera Whisky
Awards: SFWSC (Double Gold), WWA (Best Australian Single Malt), IWSC (Gold), ADSA (Gold), Global Spirits Masters (Master Medal).
Any list of Australian whiskies is incomplete without Starward. An award-winning whisky online that made Aussie flavours known to the world.
We will talk about their best variety i.e. Starward Solera. It is made from malted barley and brewer’s yeast. Double distilled and aged in ‘apera’ barrels for 3 years. It ages faster due to the climate conditions of Melbourne.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, peanut, honey, and cranberry.
- Palate: Raisin, plum, and pears.
- Finish: Medium dry (Aleppo pepper, pear, sherry, and wood).
2. Overeem Single Malt Port Cask Whisky
Awards: WWA (Gold), SFWSC (Gold), ADSA (Best Whisky), IWSC (Gold) WSA (Gold).
Overeem is a perfect example of what the best distillery can look like. It is one of the pioneers of Tasmania whiskies offering a jam of flavours.
What we suggest to keep on your shelf is their classic option. i.e. Port cask. It has a bold flavour with high ABV and a refined finish. Which leaves the layers of complexities on your palate.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Salted caramel, burnt butterscotch and orange peel.
- Palate: Dried fruit, butterscotch, coffee.
- Finish: Sweet caramels and light spice
3. Sullivans Cove French Oak
Awards: WWA (Best Single Malt Whisky), SFWSC (Double Gold), WSA (Gold), ADSA (Best Whisky), IWSC (Gold).
Sullivan Cove is another award-winning and highly sought-after name in world of whiskies. They gained international recognition like no other.
Our favourite bottle from their collection is “French Oak”. Which was named the best whisky in 2020. And is the rarest whiskey online since then. It has a complex range of flavours leaving a long finish behind.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Dark chocolate, cinnamon, orange peel, hazelnut, and mint.
- Palate: Chocolate, pepper, toffee, and cake.
- Finish: Long (Dried fruit and dark chocolate).
4. Hellyers Road Pinot Noir Finish
Awards: WWA (Best Australian Single Malt), SFWSC (Gold), WSA (Gold), IWSC (Gold), ADSA (Gold).
Hellyers Road is an old name in Tasmanian whisky history. Their Pinot Noir is the classic option distilled by the founders themselves. It is matured in American oak for years to complement its old notes.
This single malt offers a range of flavours & a smoothness like silk. In short, it is a delicate, fruit-forward whisky with a unique twist.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Sweet red berries, honey and vanilla.
- Palate: Notes of plum, cherry, dark chocolate and honey.
- Finish: Light, with a subtle sweetness of fruits.
5. Limeburners Single Malt Whisky
Awards: WWA (Best Australian Single Malt), SFWSC (Double Gold), ADSA (Gold), IWSC (Gold), WSA (Gold).
Limeburners is another leading Australian whisky aged in fortified wine barrels of Bourbon. This aging process gives their whiskies a blend of fruits and woods.
Our favourite is their classic malt. That’s perfect for both new whisky drinkers and seasoned aficionados. Its barrels offer a unique taste with every patch of bottles. To offer something new every time.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Spicy, coniferous forest, moss, and garden herbs.
- Palate: Honey & malt sweetness, citrus, pepper, and gentle smoke.
- Finish: Crisp with fine smoke and a flowery overtone.
6. Archie Rose Solera Strength Rye
Awards: WWA (Best Australian Rye), ADSA (Gold), SFWSC (Silver), IWSC (Silver), WSA (Gold).
This Australian whisky has shown a remarkable journey. From its early struggles to shining on the global stage. They offer unique expressions reflecting the Aussie climate, ingredients, and craftsmanship.
Solera strength rye carries all their signature qualities. It offers a bold rye expression. Aged with the Solera technique that adds depth and complexity to it.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Fruity sweetness of vanilla with a hint of citrus.
- Palate: sherbet, apricots, toffee, ice cream and creaming soda.
- Finish: Full-bodied, with a lingering clove spice
7. Corowa Peated Single Malt
Awards: WWA (Best Single Malt Whisky), SFWSC (Double Gold), WSA (Gold), ADSA (Best Whisky), IWSC (Gold).
These suppliers are famous for a range of peated whisky (the same as Octamore). Their formula is mixed with the Australian maturation method to give peated whiskey fans a treat.
Their single malt fulfils their anticipation for an Australian smoky expression. Hand-crafted on the banks of the Murray River, it offers earthiness with every dram of it.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Earthy peat with hints of green apple.
- Palate: Rich malt, caramel, honey and fruitcake.
- Finish: Long and warming finish (Rich and smoky).
8. Bakery Hill Classic Malt
Awards: WWA (Silver), ADSA (Gold), IWSC (Silver Outstanding), SFWSC (Silver), GSM (Gold).
This Melbourne-based whisky brand is in the game since 2000. It is known worldwide for its light and approachable flavour profile.
Bakery Hill’s selection includes a single cask malt. It is available in peated as well as non-peated varieties. So, you can suit your taste. Non-peated cask is stronger and a little hot on the palate initially. But then the sweet notes compensate for it.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Multilayering of apples and a hint of cider and honey.
- Palate: Light malt sweetness, honey, and fruit
- Finish: Smooth and clean with subtle warmth.
9. Morris Tokay Barrel
Awards: SFWSC (Double Gold), WWM (Gold) ISC (Gold), SIP Awards 2023 (Platinum).
One of the best affordable single malt whiskies in Australia. The Morris Tokay Barrel took the world in no time after its release.
Aged in Tokay wine barrels, it offers a red wine like touch. And is utterly delicious scotch whisky. Its rich fruity experience is signature Australian.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Orchard fruits, burnt toffee, vanilla and caramel.
- Palate: Rich with chocolate, dried fruits, and a toasted spice.
- Finish: Lavish and indulgent with a long finish of raisin.
10. Lark Classic Cask Single Malt Whisky
Awards: WWA (Best Australian Single Malt), SFWSC (Double Gold), WSA (Gold), ADSA (Gold), IWSC (Silver Outstanding).
Last but not least on our list is one of Tasmania’s finest scotch whiskies. It is created by Bill Lark, also known as the “God Father of Australian Whisky”.
It offers a perfect combo of sweetness, spice and savour. It is so hard to get hold that mostly scotch lovers only dream of it. So, our advice is: If you can find a bottle, buy it!
The Classic Cask offers a balance of rich malt and sweet Sherry notes, with layers of toffee, dark fruits, and a hint of spice, rounded off with a long, warming finish
One of Tasmania’s finest, Lark Classic Cask has a balanced profile with rich spices and fruit.
Flavour Profile:
- Nose: Spicy and sweet Sherry notes.
- Palate: Full-bodied with layers of toffee, dark fruits, and a hint of spice.
- Finish: Long and warming finish with oaky sweetness.
Want to Buy Australian Whisky Online?
Celebrate the Rebirth of Australian Whisky with The Premium Selection
At The Premium Selection, we source the best bottles and share our discoveries with you. We’re here to help you shop Australian whisky online. With everything from classic flavours to new award-winning finds.
Whether you’re a longtime whisky lover or just starting out. We have the largest Australian whisky collection ready for you. Right here in the hills of Western Australia.
