Sullivans Cove HH0004 24 Year Old Single Cask 1999
As the oldest Australian whisky to date, HH0004 was filled in American oak second-fill barrel on October 5th 1999, and patiently matured for 24 years until it reached its peak on January 5th 2024.
Following its remarkable, decades-long maturation, HH0004 has yielded just 335 bottles at 52% ABV.
   Nose:   Deeply floral, dark and treacly with nuances of anise and spice. An acutely integrated tapestry of savoury, floral and syrupy-sweet notes, the nose opens with buttered popcorn, dark, oaky maple syrup, and a deep cherry/strawberry jam note. Waxy tropical flower and tropical fruit notes (pineapple, frangipani, and coconut) come next, as aromatic base notes of gingerbread, sweetened red bean paste and lots of true cinnamon rise up. The oaky maple syrup note then progresses into rich cacao as the whisky receives air in the glass, and anise and clove weave throughout the layers.
   Taste:   The texture and weight of the spirit is incredibly thick and oily. Walnuts and hazelnuts dusted with icing sugar, toasted almonds, more maple syrup and rich cacao welcome the palate. Quickly met by a lathering of leatherwood honey, a burst of tingly oak spice, green peppercorn, and aloe vera. A herbal layer rests above (chamomile and mint), as savoury wafts of beef rendang and a prominent cinnamon/nutmeg note takes its place within the framework of the biscuity base. As the initial flurry of oak spices settle, the creamy and confectionery-driven side to the palate comes forward with taffy, Jersey caramels, marshmallow, and crème caramel.
   Finish:   A beautiful crescendo into the finish brings about deep leathery vanillic wafts, cantaloupe with icing sugar, dehydrated papaya and rose perfume. Profound length sees caramel sauce meet bright refreshing flickers of more aloe vera (as the palate) and sweet lemon lollies, as the finish.
