Australian whisky has been developed for over two decades by stellar distillers who specialize in the mature spirit. However, it still has a long way to go before it can compete with Irish and Scottish whisky, and many are still wondering whether it’s worth it to make the switch.
In our opinion, the answer is a big yes! Australian whisky might be new and largely untouched as a market, but it’s rapidly becoming one of the country’s favourite local alcoholic beverages. Many are citing the change due to enjoying more local brands rather than mass-produced whiskies from other parts of the world, giving them something other than mediocre whisky to enjoy at the end of a long day.
But is it the right tipple for you? Let’s try and get to the bottom of this, as well as recommend some new Australian whisky brands to try…
What Defines Australian Whiskey?
Unlike Bourbon, Scotch, or even Japanese whiskey, the notion of Australian Whiskey is more defined by the location where it is produced than the unique characteristics of it's production process. With that being said, many people compare it most closely to Scotch, though it generally lacks the luxurious feel of a fine pour of Scotch Whiskey.
Ingredients
Australian whiskey is crafted from locally sourced grains, predominantly barley, which imparts a distinct regional character. The purity and quality of local water, often from pristine springs, further enhance its unique flavor profile. This emphasis on local ingredients sets Australian whiskey apart in the global market.
Aging Process
The diverse Australian climate, with its varying temperatures and humidity levels, accelerates the aging process, creating rich and complex flavors. Distilleries often age their whiskey in a variety of casks, including ex-wine barrels from renowned Australian wine regions, adding unique notes to the spirit. This innovative approach to maturation results in a whiskey that is both vibrant and nuanced.
Regulations
Unlike the stringent regulations seen in other whiskey-producing countries, Australia offers more flexibility in production methods. However, to be classified as whiskey, it must be aged for at least two years in wooden casks and meet specific alcohol content criteria. This balance of freedom and structure allows for creative expressions while maintaining quality standards.
How It Compares To Bourbon, Scotch, and Japanese Whiskey
Australian whiskey shares bourbon’s affinity for rich, caramel notes but often exhibits a greater diversity of flavors due to its varied cask usage. Compared to Scotch, it typically has a faster aging process and a more pronounced influence from the local environment, resulting in a distinctive taste. When compared to Japanese whiskey, Australian whiskey similarly values precision and innovation but often leans more heavily on the character of its local ingredients and climate.
Is It Worth Trying? What Are You Measuring Against?
The simple answer here is yeah ... heck yeah even. Any time you have the opportunity to try a new type of whiskey, the answer should always be yes! With that being said, the first thing to do before embarking on your Australian whisky journey is to determine what you’ll be measuring everything against. Ask yourself:
- Do you have a particular taste that you look for in your whiskies? Do you prefer the richer, fruitier notes or prefer something vanilla based?
- Are you looking for quality over quantity or the other way around?
- What do you consider to be faults with whisky? For example, do you notice when it’s off balance or over-oaked?
- Do you prefer the one-dimensional simplicity or something a little more complex?
And many more! As you can see, there are plenty of things to consider while choosing the best Australian whisky for you, but one of our top methods is to choose a popular whisky on the market that you love and see if you can find an Australian alternative that matches up.
Now, Choosing The Right Bottle For You…
With more than 300 whiskey distilleries in Australia it should be assumed that there's going to be quite a diversity. Australian whiskey isn't a monolithic concept and you'll find super premium as well as budget bottles that are better for cheap well drinks than anything you'd want to pour a dram of for a slow sip.
So, you have an idea in your head about what kind of whisky you’re looking for. Unfortunately, this isn’t the end of your journey as it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find an Australian tipple that matches perfectly with another on the market! So, here are a few things to consider when looking for the right bottle for you. Giving these factors enough thought before jumping into the market can save you time, money, and a lot of disappointment.
Value for money
One of the most important things you’ll probably want to look for will be the affordability of your chosen Australian whisky, as they can vary greatly on the market. Some are more affordable at around $50 to $100, while others cost much more at over $500! But does the cost really influence the taste?
And, even if it did taste much better at a higher price point, is it still worth the extra inflation? Only you can be the judge of that, depending on how much you want to spend on a bottle. However, we might recommend opting for some of the more affordable options before jumping into the deep end to prevent you from wasting money on something you don’t completely love.
Consistency
Many newer and smaller Australian distilleries are beginning to make their spirits in a more diverse variety of casks, with many choosing to focus on single-cask bottles rather than blended whiskies. Sometimes, this absolutely works and creates an amazingly focused whisky where you can taste all of the notes perfectly. However, others can miss the mark and leave tasters confused. The question is: are you willing to take a chance on one of these more experimental bottles, or would you prefer to pay more and get a clearer vision of your whisky?
Awards won
Of course, not everything needs to have won an award to garner happy customers and a positive reputation. However, when you’re diving into a newer market like that of Australian whisky, we always recommend looking at where the awards are being directed. Here are some of the Australian whisky brands that have currently won awards for their offerings:
- Bakery Hill has won multiple awards since 2005
- Iniquity won Best Single Cask Single Malt at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards
- Fleurieu has been a consistent award winner ever since their first single malt came out in 2016
- Archie Rose is a multiple award winner specialising in whiskies made from non-malt grains
Final Thoughts
Overall, Australian whisky is well worth trying if you love other whiskies and want to expand your palate. However, there are some things to consider before you choose the best bottle to begin with, including value for money, consistency, awards won, and what you measure new whiskies against. We all have our personal favourite popular whiskies, so using this to choose a newer Aussie whisky can help you choose the right option for you. Good luck in your search, and bottoms up!
