Whisky In Isolation isn’t just another name in the ever-growing list of independent bottlers; it’s a renegade spirit in the world of whisky, a maverick that dances to its own beat, refusing to be confined by the usual script. Where others might play it safe, Whisky In Isolation steps into the unknown, embracing the unexpected and inviting whisky lovers to join in on an adventure that’s as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.
The Alchemy of Innovation
Most independent bottlers are content with curating and bottling whiskies that already have a story to tell. Whisky In Isolation, however, takes that story and flips it on its head. It’s not just about selecting casks; it’s about creating a new narrative, an entirely fresh experience from the moment the spirit enters the cask to the moment it swirls in your glass.
The process is akin to alchemy, where raw ingredients are transformed into something magical. Whisky In Isolation doesn't just source spirit from various distilleries—it collaborates with them, working hand in hand to experiment with finishes, blends, and maturations that defy the conventional boundaries of whisky-making. Imagine a painter who doesn’t just paint with colours but invents new shades with each brushstroke. That’s the kind of artistry Whisky In Isolation brings to the table.
Crafting a Unique Voice
Where many independent bottlers focus on provenance, terroir, or tradition, Whisky In Isolation is all about the voice of the whisky—the unique story that each bottling tells. Every release is like a new song in an evolving album, with its own rhythm, melody, and mood.
Take, for instance, the first bottling, “Nearly New York Sour.” It wasn’t just a nod to a classic cocktail; it was a reimagining, a whisky that captured the essence of something familiar while delivering an experience that was entirely new.
This approach sets Whisky In Isolation apart—there’s no repetition, no predictability. Each release is a distinct chapter in a book that’s still being written, full of twists and turns that keep even the most seasoned whisky drinkers on their toes.
A Philosophy of “Just”
The word “just” might seem simple, but within Whisky In Isolation, it’s a powerful philosophy. It’s about stripping whisky down to its purest form, where the spirit itself takes center stage—no frills, no unnecessary embellishments. But “just” doesn’t mean basic. It means focusing on what truly matters: the quality of the whisky and the experience it offers.
This no-nonsense approach is what gives Whisky In Isolation its edge. In a world where marketing gimmicks and elaborate packaging often overshadow the liquid inside, Whisky In Isolation keeps it real. The goal is simple but profound: to create “just great whisky.” It’s an ethos that resonates with whisky purists and adventurers alike, those who appreciate the craft and the boldness of a whisky that speaks for itself.
A Journey Beyond the Bottle
Most independent bottlers might stop at the bottle, but Whisky In Isolation goes further, turning each release into part of a larger, ongoing journey. It’s not just about what’s inside the bottle; it’s about the story behind it, the process that led to its creation, and the people who made it happen.
By sharing these stories through its blog and community, Whisky In Isolation turns each release into a shared experience. It’s a conversation between the creator and the drinker, a dialogue that invites whisky lovers to not just taste, but to explore, question, and discover.
In an industry where tradition often rules, Whisky In Isolation is a breath of fresh air—a commitment to innovation without sacrificing integrity. It’s about pushing boundaries, experimenting with the unknown, and doing it all with a steadfast dedication to quality.
While others may rely on the heritage of a distillery or the rarity of a cask, Whisky In Isolation relies on its ability to surprise and delight, to create something that didn’t exist before. It’s whisky-making as an art form, where each release is a new masterpiece, and each cask a blank canvas waiting to be transformed.
Amber Lane’s "Garden of Temptation" - A Liquid Eden of Flavour
Step into the "Garden of Temptation," where whisky is not merely a drink but an Eden of flavors, each sip a bite from the forbidden fruit. With this result of a collaboration between Whisky in Isolation and the alchemists at Amber Lane Distillery, i.e. Rod and Phil, have not just distilled whisky; they’ve crafted an elixir that weaves together time-honoured traditions and innovative artistry like vines entwined around an ancient oak.
Amber Lane’s multi-cask maturation process is akin to the weaving of a rich tapestry—each thread representing a different cask, each bringing its own color and texture to the final masterpiece. It all begins in the heart of a French Oak Apera cask, where the spirit takes root, soaking in the earthy, nutty warmth of its surroundings.
But just as a tree branches out, so does this whisky, moving into an American Oak Oloroso cask, where it drinks deeply from the well of Spanish sherry tradition, absorbing the mysteries of the Old World.
The journey reaches its zenith with a brief but passionate encounter in a Tempranillo cask from Vinden Wines—imagine a love affair between sun-kissed grapes and seasoned oak, each whispering secrets of the vineyard into the spirit.
With an ABV of 54% and a mere 116 bottles in existence, “Garden of Temptation” is as rare as finding an undiscovered grove in a mythical forest. Every 500ml bottle is a treasure trove, a Pandora’s box of flavor waiting to be unleashed.
On the nose, “Garden of Temptation” welcomes you with a bouquet as rich and inviting as a grand feast at twilight. Imagine a wooden table laden with dates as dark as midnight, stewed pears glowing like the last rays of the sun, and cinnamon scrolls unfurling their warmth into the evening air. There’s a symphony of vine-ripened sultanas that dance with the creamy allure of fresh vanilla pods, while dried figs lend their sweet, sultry notes to the mix. Just as you’re about to settle into this comforting embrace, a whisper of curry leaves adds an exotic twist, like a spice-laden breeze from a distant land, reminding you that this is no ordinary gathering.
As the liquid meets your lips, the palate unfolds like a well-composed symphony, where every instrument knows its part. Sweet red apples take the lead, their crispness bright and clear, while toffee notes weave in like a rich, golden undertone, creating a melody that sings of autumn orchards. The familiar taste of Arnott’s Coffee Scrolls provides the harmony, grounding the sweetness with a nostalgic warmth. Then, like a surprise guest at the party, the umami depth of miso butter steps in, offering a savory counterpoint that mirrors the dance of the sun and moon—the eternal balance of day and night. Each sip is a journey through an orchard at dawn, where the fruit is ripe, the morning air is thick with sweetness, and the earth beneath you hums with a life that’s both ancient and new.
But it’s the finish where the story truly finds its resolution, where every plot twist and character arc comes together in a satisfying conclusion. As the flavors linger, it’s like the soft rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle wind, carrying with it the zest of raspberry lemonade, fresh and effervescent, mingling with the cozy sweetness of vanilla fudge. And just when you think the tale is told, a hint of cloves emerges, grounding the experience like the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil after a long drought. This finish is not just an end, but a gateway into a secret garden—a place where strawberries hang heavy on the vine, their fragrance mingling with the spicy notes of cinnamon and apple pudding that fill the air. It’s a world where time stretches out, and every moment invites you to linger just a little longer.
In essence, “Garden of Temptation” is a multi-layered narrative told through the language of taste, a journey through a world where every flavor has its role, and every note its reason. It’s a creation that marries the old and the new, where each cask adds a new chapter to the story.
The Magnificent Seven: Seven Years of Sipping Splendour
Whisky in Isolation’s latest release, the “Magnificent Seven,” is sourced from Chief’s Son Distillery, a small but mighty operation nestled on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, just an hour's drive southeast of Melbourne. Founded by husband and wife duo Stuart and Naomi McIntosh back in 2013, Chief’s Son is a relative elder in the fast-growing landscape of Australian distilleries. In an industry that’s still in its adolescence, this distillery has matured into a figure of respect, known for its unique approach to crafting single malts.
Chief’s Son Distillery employs a method that combines the time-honored with the innovative. Their single malts are double distilled in a single copper pot still, heated by an internal electric element—a labor-intensive process that’s not for the faint-hearted.
While this technique may be common in Australian whisky production, it reflects a commitment to quality and tradition, even when more modern methods could make life easier.
But the McIntoshes aren’t ones to take shortcuts. They understand that true craftsmanship requires patience, and that’s precisely what they bring to every bottle they produce.
Yet, Chief’s Son isn’t bound by tradition alone. They source their wash from local breweries, a move that might raise eyebrows among whisky purists but is a savvy choice in the context of Australia’s whisky scene. This approach allows them to maintain consistency while cutting costs and reducing risks—though it does come at the potential cost of individuality. However, Chief’s Son sidesteps this pitfall by carefully selecting different types of brewer’s malts, from pale to crystal, even to chocolate malt, reminiscent of the deep, rich flavors found in Glenmorangie Signet. They even introduce small amounts of peated malted barley from Scotland, adding a layer of complexity that nods to the old world while firmly rooting their spirit in the new.
And it is from this very distillery that Whisky in Isolation has drawn the essence for its successor to the "Joy of Six"— aptyl named the “Magnificent Seven.” This fourth release from Whisky in Isolation isn’t just another bottle on the shelf; it’s a carefully curated narrative in liquid form, an epic tale of maturation and transformation. Imagine the whisky as a protagonist in a saga that begins in the secluded stills of Chief’s Son, where it spends 6 years and 6 months in French Oak Apera casks. Here, it absorbs the rich, warm notes of the wood, much like a hero gathering wisdom in preparation for the challenges ahead, where each cask it encounters leaves an indelible mark on its soul.
But just when you think its story might end there, it takes an unexpected turn, as all great tales do. The whisky is then moved to a fresh 1st Fill Apera cask, a new chapter that deepens its character, adding layers of complexity like plot twists in a gripping novel. But the real drama unfolds when it meets the ex-Rye Whiskey American Oak cask, previously home to Canadian Maple Syrup. This final act is where the whisky’s destiny is sealed, and like a protagonist finding their true purpose, it emerges richer, bolder, and more enchanting than ever.
Clocking in at a bold ABV of 58%, the “Magnificent Seven” is no shy wallflower—it’s a storm in a glass, powerful and intense. On the nose, it greets you like a storied explorer returning from distant lands, bearing gifts of candied walnuts, toasted oak, and caramelized citrus peel. It’s as if you’ve stumbled upon an ancient market, where spices and sweets from across the world mingle in the air, each scent telling a tale of its own.
The first sip is like turning the first page of a beloved book—immediately, you’re drawn in. The palate is a symphony of flavors, each note resonating with the depth of experience. Sweetness, nuttiness, and oakiness harmonize like old friends, with exotic spices adding a dash of the unexpected. It’s like walking through a sun-dappled orchard, where the trees are heavy with ripe fruit, and the air is thick with the promise of something extraordinary. The mouthfeel is as luxurious as velvet, wrapping your senses in warmth and richness, inviting you to lose yourself in its depths.
As the finish unfolds, it’s as if the story is coming to its natural, satisfying conclusion. Picture yourself by a crackling fire on a winter’s night, wrapped in a thick, smoky blanket, with the sweet scent of maple syrup lingering in the air. There’s a hint of butter menthol, like the comforting final words of a well-told tale, leaving you with a sense of closure, yet a desire for just one more chapter. The finish lingers like the echo of a distant melody, the flavors slowly fading, but their memory etched into your palate.
With only 90 bottles in existence, this is a tale that will soon pass into history—one that true connoisseurs won’t want to miss.
The Salty Dog—A Maritime Masterpiece in a Bottle
Ahoy, whisky aficionados and nautical navigators alike! If you’ve ever dreamed of a dram that captures the essence of a sea voyage, complete with briny breezes and tales of high-seas adventure, let me introduce you to your next liquid obsession: Whisky in Isolation’s The Salty Dog. This collaboration with Waubs Harbour Distillery is less of a drink and more of a maritime odyssey, brimming with the briny spirit of the Tasman Sea.
Picture this: Waubs Harbour Distillery, a distillery we have sung the praises of numerous times before, perched on Tasmania’s coast, is like the sea captain of the whisky world. It stands sentinel over the rolling waves, allowing its spirits to mature in a salt-sprayed embrace that no landlocked distillery can boast.
If Scotland's distilleries are the seasoned sailors of old, Waubs Harbour is the daring new ship on the horizon, charting a course through uncharted waters with a bottle in hand.
Now, The Salty Dog is no ordinary dram—it’s a tale of liquid romance and high-seas drama. The whisky begins its journey in French Oak Apera casks, aging gracefully for just under four years.
But this isn’t a simple tale of maturation; it’s more like a rags-to-riches story, where the whisky gets a grand makeover in a large-format French Oak Cognac cask—a first for Waubs Harbour. Think of it as the whisky equivalent of a Cinderella story, where the humble spirit gets a touch of royal elegance before the ball.
And what a ball it is!
Bottled at a robust 60.9% ABV, The Salty Dog is the liquid equivalent of a cannon blast across the bow. The first whiff is like stumbling into a coastal bakery after a storm—a sweet symphony of floral notes, salted caramel, and weathered oak, reminiscent of a sun-baked Danish pastry with a dash of sea spray. It’s like finding a treasure chest filled with spice and sweetness on a deserted island.
Take a sip, and the adventure continues. Imagine you’re on a tropical island, and you’ve just discovered a bounty of cooked Bramley apples drizzled with caramel sauce, milk chocolate raisins, and creamy cashews, culminating in a full-on tropical feast where each bite is a voyage of its own. The cognac’s apricot flirtations waltz with the Apera’s creamed apples and buttery spices, creating a flavor profile as intricate as an old pirate map.
But let’s not forget the finish. As The Salty Dog fades away, it leaves behind a lingering impression like the last echoes of a sea shanty. Picture dried and fresh apricots, malted shortbread, and melted butter sprinkled with sea salt flakes—a bit like the comforting remnants of a beach picnic as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s the taste of a perfect day at sea, wrapped in the warmth of a glowing fire on the beach.
In essence, The Salty Dog is a liquid love letter to the sea, a maritime epic told in oak and caramel. It’s a whisky that doesn’t just transport you; it takes you on a journey, wrapping you in a sailor’s blanket as you drift off to dream of distant shores and briny adventures.
Setting the Stage for the Future
As Whisky In Isolation continues to grow, it’s not just about adding more bottles to the shelf—it’s about building a legacy, one that redefines what it means to be an independent bottler. From what we gather, the plan is to keep things small, intimate, and personal, ensuring that each release remains a special event, a new chapter in the ever-evolving story of whisky.
But even as it grows, Whisky In Isolation keeps its eyes on the horizon, always looking for the next adventure, the next challenge, the next opportunity to create something extraordinary. It’s a journey that’s just beginning, and for those who are along for the ride, the future promises to be as thrilling as the past.
So here’s to those who appreciate the finer things in life—whether you’re sipping alone or sharing with friends, Whisky in Isolation's expressions are crafted to be savoured and celebrated. Cheers to that, and to all the adventures yet to come!
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Whisky in Isolation.
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