Picture this: you’re at the water’s edge in Goolwa, South Australia, where the Fleurieu Distillery stands firm against the capricious whims of the Southern Ocean. This is no ordinary location; it’s where sea breezes flirt with oak barrels, crafting whiskies that tell tales of maritime adventures and coastal charm. At 1 Cutting Road, Gareth and Angela Andrews are the maestros behind this liquid symphony, transforming salty air into expressions of maple, vanilla oak, and a hint of spicy sea spray.
Since their debut in 2017, the Andrews’ creations have been capturing the imaginations of whisky aficionados, and with good reason. Their whisky isn’t just a drink; it’s a sensory voyage. As Head Distiller G.R. Andrews puts it, “Travel the winding roads of the Fleurieu – Live a life less ordinary.” And live less ordinary they do, with awards pouring in from both Australian and American shores.
Enter the scene-stealer: the Country to Coast series, a collaboration with Black Gate Distillery that reads like a modern epic. Imagine this: two distilleries, separated by a continent but united by a shared passion for whisky, come together for a series of releases that are as much about friendship as they are about flavour.
The journey began in 2018, but the true magic happened during the tumultuous COVID era. As Australians grappled with lockdowns and border closures, these distillers found a way to blend their spirits across closed borders—a feat that makes their whisky releases the liquid equivalent of a rebellious road trip.
The second release, launched amidst snap border closures, proved that even whisky can outsmart bureaucracy. And then came the third release in 2022, which was nothing short of a triumph.
With six trophies under its belt from major Australian spirits awards, Country to Coast #3 became the most awarded Australian whisky in a single year. Clearly, whisky doesn’t just get better with age; it gets better with a bit of audacious spirit.
Country to Coast #4 was a seamless blend dancing between briny coastal iodine and a maltiness that feels as though it’s been infused with the essence of rolling farmlands. It’s a push and pull, a conversation between two elements that shouldn’t work together, but do—effortlessly, beautifully.
Now, as we embrace the frosty embrace of winter, the much-anticipated Country to Coast #5 makes its grand entrance. This 2024 limited edition is not just a whisky; it’s a celebration in a bottle. Essentially, this expression embodies the convergence of two distilleries, each with a flair for peated magic, and thereby creating a comprehensive whole in a dance of second-fill Bourbon and Apera casks that amounts to much more than the mere sum of ingredients would suggest.
The result?
Picture this: Fleurieu’s sweet peat and Black Gate’s signature iodine finish meet in a passionate embrace, crafting a whisky that's like a moody love affair between the ocean and the outback. It’s a tempest in a tumbler, with flavors that crash like waves and smolder like embers. Every sip is a plot twist—first, a whisper of coastal brine, honeyed barley, then a smoky wink, finishing with a lingering earthy warmth that’s more seductive than a late-night fireside chat. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a story reminiscent of equal parts Campbelltown and Islay bottled up, ready to unfurl with every pour, leaving you both satisfied and craving more.
Limited to just 240 bottles, Country to Coast #5 is more exclusive than a VIP pass to a secret speakeasy. Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s perfect for those long, chilly evenings when you need something to sip while contemplating life’s great mysteries—or alternatively just deciding which movie to binge next.
So, whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or someone who just enjoys a good story with their drink, Country to Coast #5 invites you on an epic journey from the wild southern coast to the highlands of peated tradition. It’s not merely a whisky; it’s a toast to unexpected friendships, adventurous spirits, and the timeless joy of sharing a great drink.
Cheers to the adventures that await, both in your glass and beyond!
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Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Fleurieu Distillery.
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