Discover the Pinnacle of Whisky: 23rd Street Distillery’s Remarkable Journey

When we think of whisky, our minds often drift to the rolling hills of Scotland, where centuries-old practices have matured some of the world’s finest spirits. However, one distillery in South Australia is challenging that notion, earning accolades alongside the greats of the whisky world.

Gold Medal Triumphs

23rd Street Distillery has made significant strides in a short period since its inception in 2016. Recently, it was celebrated at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024 with two of its notable whiskies clinching gold medals, an extraordinary achievement for such a young establishment. The 23rd Street Australian Whisky took gold in the Super Premium category while the 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky made its mark in the Ultra Premium class.

“With 95 percent of whisky sold in Australia being imported, we set out to disrupt the category by creating a whisky that Australians could take real pride in,” says Chris Illman from 23rd Street Distillery.

Award-winning 23rd Street Australian Whisky
With a price tag of $86.10, this award-winning whisky has become a must-have in the Australian market, especially as we approach the festive season.

A Testament to Craftsmanship

The achievement at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of 23rd Street’s team. The Australian Whisky is characterized by its alluring notes of ‘citrus, orange blossom, and caramelized fruit.’ Tasting reveals a complex palette where sweet oils and biscuity malt are beautifully framed by vanillin oak. As if that weren’t enough, the flavors evolve, bringing to life dark chocolate spice, roasted nut, and toffee notes, culminating in a creamy finish that lingers delightfully.

For the Single Malt enthusiasts, the 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky presents a sensory journey marked by aromas of toffee and lifted fruit, while the palate boasts a richness that includes citrus, apricot, and a finish reminiscent of butterscotch oak.

Explore the exquisite flavors of 23rd Street’s Single Malt
Chris Illman emphasizes the importance of using premium local ingredients, which is underscored by Master Distiller Paul Burnett’s meticulous distillation process focused on aroma and flavor. “We concentrate on delivering the highest quality new spirits, targeting sweet oils and rich layers of grain and malt,” Burnett asserts.

The Distillation Process

Australian Whisky – The Method

The crafting of 23rd Street Australian Whisky is rooted in a careful selection of premium Australian barley malts. After fermentation, the whisky wash is distilled in two historic Copper Pots, enhancing the inherent flavors and sweet oils. The maturation takes place in carefully chosen ex-Bourbon American oak barrels, alongside a few richly seasoned Tawny barrels. Thanks to the inviting warmth of the Riverland climate, the whisky matures well, developing intricate flavors over its minimum two-year maturation period.

Tasting Experience of the Single Malt

For the Australian Single Malt Whisky, the process begins with premium barley cultivated under the sun of Kangaroo Island. By combining water, yeast, and time, the base liquor is meticulously crafted. The distillation process involves advanced techniques using heritage Copper Pot Stills, ensuring that the complexities of flavor are preserved and highlighted. A robust selection of American oak ex-Bourbon barrels then guides the aging process, where approximately 7% of the whisky per annum is lost to the enticing “Angel’s share.”

This careful attention to detail creates a rich tapestry of flavors, making the 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky a worthy competitor on the global stage.

Broader Offerings

Apart from their standout whiskies, 23rd Street Distillery also offers a double cask Hybrid Whisky priced at $84.88, along with a diverse range of gins and vodkas. Their offerings include the vibrant Violet Gin ( $93.09), the refreshing Yuzi Gin ($87.19), and award-winning vodkas such as the Riverland Rose Vodka ($83.95) and the flavorful Pomegranate Vodka ($74.00). Their stylish packaging undeniably enhances their gifts’ appeal, making them great options for any drink enthusiast.

It’s worth noting that 23rd Street operates on a historic site in Renmark, South Australia, once home to Australia’s first cooperatively owned winery for almost a century.

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