As a whisky enthusiast with a soft spot for Australian drams, I was thrilled to get my hands on Sullivans Cove’s latest release: the 9 Year Old French Oak ex-Apera Single Cask, bottled from Cask No. TD0820. This Tasmanian single malt is available until January 19, and marks a fresh chapter in the distillery’s French Oak program.
Drawing on their signature unrushed approach to maturation, Sullivans Cove has earned its stripes with multiple “World’s Best” wins at the World Whiskies Awards. No compromises here. This particular expression, matured in a first-fill French Oak cask that previously held Apera (Australia’s Sherry-style fortified wine), promises the depth and structure of ex-Sherry whiskies but with that unique Down Under twist. Bottled at cask strength (ABV: 47.6%), this is a limited drop available from sullivanscove.com. Here’s my review, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Appearance
Poured into a Glencairn glass, I got a rich amber hue, hinting at the fortified wine influence straight away. It’s got a full-bodied texture without being overly viscous.
Nose
The aroma opens with inviting notes of dried fruits, I get raisins and figs, mingled with dark chocolate and a subtle nuttiness. There’s a gentle underlying spice, balanced by the vanilla from the oak. It’s not overpowering; instead, it builds gradually, drawing you in with its complexity.
Palate
This is where the magic happens, adn for me it’s all about the palate weight. This is where Sullivans Cove excels. The entry is smooth and welcoming, developing a lovely warmth that spreads across the tongue, likely from the robust new-make spirit and the French Oak influence. The mouth-feel is impeccably balanced and well-curated: I got apricots and cherries and plenty of rich oak spice, caramel, and a touch of molasses. The Apera cask shines through with subtle sherry-like dryness, integrating seamlessly without dominating the underlying malt character. It’s bold yet refined, with a weight that feels earned from those nine years of slow maturation.
Finish
The finish is dry and lingering, as expected from the ex-Apera cask, leaving a clean, oaky trail with echoes of spice and a faint bitterness that keeps things interesting. That warmth persists, a nod to the abv.
Overall
I’m a big fan of this whisky, and a contender for our whisky of the month. If you’re into ex-Sherry styles but want something uniquely Australian, this is a must-try.