As with the other recent New Zealand Whisky Collection releases, this was distilled at their new Dunedin Distillery inside of Speight’s Brewery. It was distilled from New Zealand barley, matured in bourbon barrels, and then finished in Central Otago Pinot Noir casks— hence double cask. 

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Whisky: Dunedin Double Cask

Country/Region: New Zealand

ABV: 40%

Cask: Bourbon, French Oak Central Otago Pinot Noir (18 mo.)

Age: N/A

Notes: Soft honey, wood, and beeswax, like walking into an artisanal cosmetics shop— everything made from the products of local bees and woods. Digestif biscuits and a touch of sour fermentation lingered further in with golden syrup, chicory, and pepper. Light-bodied on the palate, the flavors were simple with mellow dried fruit and black pepper opening to digestif biscuits and molasses. Beeswax and a touch of honey comb lingered in the background, more flavor than texture, with hints of wood resins and lumber. The finish was medium-length with soft fruit skins, pepper, and shredded paper. 

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Score: 4-5 (73)

Mental Image: Apiarist Savonnier

Conclusion: Pleasant and mellow, a sipping whisky that was absent any rough edges. The mouthfeel was a touch light, watery at times to be honest, but the flavors were smooth and pleasant with a bit of spirited pepperiness. I found it a bit on the boring-safe side considering the interesting maturation, I love the idea of utilizing local wine casks. Perhaps if it were bottled at just a bit higher abv some of those flavors would pop— after all, for 40% I thought the profile was good. Overall, a pleasant whisky, even if not a terribly engaging one; on par with Dewar’s 12 and other convivial crowd pleasers.