Tucked away in the picturesque embrace of Victoria, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is a story distilled—one where a farm contracting business grew into a beacon of Australian craft spirits, thanks to the alchemy of owner and distiller Josh Walker. Over seven years, Walker has turned the distillery into a rising star, focusing on quality like a laser beam through a prism, refracting into a spectrum of exceptional spirits. From whisky to vodka, schnapps, liqueurs, and a limoncello so zesty it could wake a sleeping koala, Timboon’s offerings are a testament to passion poured into every bottle.
The Port Whisky Expression: A Liquid Sonata
Imagine a golden sunrise in a glass—this is Timboon’s Port Whisky Expression. Aged in American oak casks from Victoria, Rutherglen, and Tasmania, it’s a whisky that doesn’t just tell a story; it performs it like a sonata.
The aroma wafts like a poet’s verse: fruit cake and honeyed vanilla harmonize with blackberry, caramel, and a seductive hint of musk. As it blooms, dark chocolate and woody whispers sneak in like latecomers to the show, rounding out an intoxicating overture.
Take a sip, and you’re on a journey where the delicate spice of pepper meets the crunch of almonds and the richness of cocoa. Honeyed peaches glide across the palate, escorted by a smoky whisper that feels like a secret shared in the dark. A cheeky hint of baked lemon tart brings a zing of surprise.
And the finish? It’s a rollercoaster of fruity fervor—berry sweetness, green apple crispness, and a cheeky twist of tartness. This is no mere drink; it’s a sensory performance that deserves a standing ovation.
Christie’s Cut: Bold, Brazen, Brilliant
For those who like their whisky with a backstory and a bold punch, say hello to Christie’s Cut. Clocking in at a fiery 60% ABV, this cask-strength marvel is an homage to Timboon’s renegade past, named after Inspector John Christie, who at the turn of the 19th century chased down illicit distillers in the region. If this whisky were a person, it would be wearing a leather jacket and a devil-may-care grin.
The journey starts with aromas that are as layered as a Victorian melodrama: cocoa beans, creamy milk, and dried cranberries entwine with the flirtatious sweetness of vanilla bean and the ethereal allure of rosewater. The reddish-brown hue is as inviting as a campfire on a chilly night.
On the palate, spicy pepper kicks things off, dancing with oaky notes and a tangy bitterness that keeps you guessing. As it unfolds, a cavalcade of flavors parades through—juicy fruits, malt-forward port notes, and a chorus of ripe berries. The finish is a grand finale: raisins, chestnuts, and a smoky exclamation point that leaves you wanting more. Bold, boozy, and utterly beguiling, Christie’s Cut is whisky with a swagger.
Why Timboon Deserves a Place on Your Itinerary
Visiting Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is more than a trip; it’s an odyssey into the heart of craft spirit magic. With distillery-exclusive expressions waiting to dazzle your palate, it’s a place where rustic charm meets liquid artistry.
This isn’t just about tasting whisky; it’s about imbibing the spirit of place, history, and craftsmanship that defines Timboon. Whether you’re a whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, you’ll find something here that speaks to your soul—and leaves your taste buds singing hallelujah.
In the crowded constellation of Australian craft distilleries, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery doesn’t merely twinkle; it blazes like a supernova. Raise a glass to that—this is liquid gold worth every drop.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Timboon Distillery.