Willowbank whisky launch after 24 years

John Evans and Castle Macadam Wines Darren Stedman, with aged single malt whisky, from the long...
John Evans and Castle Macadam Wines Darren Stedman, with aged single malt whisky, from the long defunct Willowbank distillery in North Dunedin. The single malt is going on sale to coincide with the Rugby World Cup 2011. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
A single malt whisky distilled in Dunedin in 1987 - the same year the All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup - has been released to coincide with this year's World Cup.

The whisky, which has been maturing in oak barrels for the past 24 years since being distilled at the Willowbank distillery, has been bottled with a rugby-themed label by the New Zealand Whisky Company.

Spokesman John Evans expected it to appeal to both whisky collectors, looking for a high-quality product with an interesting background, and also tourists, particularly English and Scottish World Cup visitors.

"If we win the World Cup this year, we want to bring out a 2011-1987 double pack. If we don't, we'll only have a single pack," he said laughing yesterday.

Mr Evans described the whisky as "superb" and extraordinarily smooth, with a nose like honey and butterscotch and a "beautiful lilting after-flavour".

There were originally seven barrels but sales were going very well and the supply was now down to six and a-half barrels.

He expected to "sell the whole lot" during the World Cup.

The whisky was getting "rave reviews" and a request had been received from a former Wallaby player who wanted to stock it on a private cruise boat during the tournament.

The 750ml bottles retailed for $299, with 150ml bottles at $69 and Mr Evans described it as a very competitive price.

There was quite a risk involved in keeping whisky for 24 years and that it had turned out "so very good" was a bonus.

There were still plans to establish a whisky distillery in New Zealand, with Oamaru being the preferred location, once issues over regulations were resolved, he said.

Paul Brannigan, of Rumbles Wine Merchant and Liquor Emporium in Wellington, said it was probably the best whisky produced in New Zealand that he had tasted.

"It has balance and balance is something that's missed by a lot of whisky producers. It's been very well made," he said.

 

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