Sullivans Cove Unveils ‘Impeccable’ 18-Year-Old ‘Old & Rare’ American Oak Single Cask

• Sullivans Cove Distillery has announced the latest addition to Old & Rare collection: the 18 Year Old American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125.
• The release is priced at AUD$800 and will be available exclusively via ballot on February 24 at 10:00am AEDT.
• Entries for the ballot are only open for 24 hours.

When it comes to the best Tasmanian whisky, Sullivans Cove occupies the uppermost tier. Founded in the 1990s, the Cambrdige-based distillery has helped to usher in the modern era of Australian whisky at large and continues to deliver some of the nation’s finest drams. What better way to capitalise on three decades of success than by putting a few casks away for a special day? So goes the label’s Old & Rare series and the release of ultra-aged statements in extremely limited supply. Meet the range’s latest addition, better known as 18-Year-Old American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125.

As its name would suggest, Sullivans Cove 18-Year-Old American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125 was matured inside a single 200L American oak ex-bourbon cask for 18 long years (plus one extra month for good measure). Bottled at 47.1% ABV, it offers a one-of-a-kind taste in the truest sense of the concept. This release is limited to just 212 bottles and available for AUD$800 via a ballot system. Set your clocks because the distillery is only accepting entries from 24 February at 10am AEDT to 10am the following day. That gives you 24 hours to score what’s sure to be one of the best whiskies to cross your lips.

The Sullivans Cove Sensory Team (yes, that’s a thing) has described the latest Old & Rare release as being “wonderfully full-bodied and fruit-forward, showcasing incredible depth of spirit and a complexity that evolves beautifully in the glass. The balance is impeccable, with each layer complementing the next in a seamless harmony.” As whisky lovers are likely to know, the distillery offers superlative craftsmanship and taste with pretty much everything they do, so expect a flavour profile that’s as exceptional as the Sensory Team is making it sound.

Specifically, Sullivans Cove 18-Year-Old American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125 opens on a soft and creamy nose of marshmallow, dried apricot, milk chocolate, and brown sugar, with floral accents and savoury undertones of melted cheddar, nuts, buttery biscuits, and fresh pine. That gives way to a palate so indulgent that the distillery likens it to a freshly baked Danish. Imagine rich notes of honey, cake, apple, and biscuit rolling over your tongue and you get the idea. The finish is similarly vivacious, carrying over notes of freshly baked pastry and layering in warm spice along with zesty blasts of dried cranberry and orange marmalade.

If you’re anything like us, you’re wiping some drool away from the corner of your mouth right about now. To drive home the singular allure of this special release, each bottle comes in a handmade presentation box of solid oak, complete with a letter of authenticity signed by distillery manager Heather Tillott. Meanwhile, Sullivans Cove just opened its newly refurbished $14 million distillery in Hobart, giving us one more reason to celebrate its iconic output. A new visitor experience is part of the deal so maybe the team has put a few drams of this ultra-rare statement aside for tastings. Fingers crossed!

Of course, the only way to guarantee yourself a taste of Sullivans Cove 18-Year-Old American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125 is to snag a bottle for yourself. The ballot kicks off on 24 February at 10am AEDT via the distillery’s website and remains open for just 24 hours. We’d wish you luck but that only hurts our chances. Speaking of which, does anyone have AUD$800 we can borrow?

Sullivans Cove 18-Year-Old ‘Old & Rare’ American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125

• Brand: Sullivans Cove
• Release: 18-Year-Old ‘Old & Rare’ American Oak Single Cask Nº TD0125
• Filled: August 2006
• Decanted: September 2024
• Maturation: 18 years and 1 month
• ABV: 47.1%
• Yield: 212 bottles
• Availability: Via ballot on February 24 at 10:00 AM AEDT, with entries open for 24 hours
• Price: AUD$800