Highwayman 3.9 Completely Different Maple Cask Finish Whisky 700ml

Rare is it that our thoughts stray far from whisky but Anzac Day is one of those times. Like many we've had family members serve and will be saluting them at dawn tomorrow.

We spoke with Dan Woolley many months ago about a working together on a whisky that gave a nod to the Anzacs. His eyes lit up - he had a cask that had pulled double duty ageing rye and then maple syrup that would impart a biscuity, golden syrup sweetness.

Perfect.

Dan's peated Highwayman spirit started its aging in multiple 40L first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for just over 2 years before being married together and transferred into a first-fill, full size ex-Heaven Hill bourbon cask for over 7 months. The last unique maturation sees a portion of this liquid finished for nearly 3 months in a 40L ex rye whiskey/maple syrup cask. It has been bottled at cask strength 55% abv and as with all Highwayman products it's unfiltered and naturally coloured.

The nose kicks off with sweet cherry cola and that cinnamon spiced golden syrup Anzac inspiration. Apricot jam and soft subtle hints of nutmeg and star anise with doses of caramel & vanilla fudge. Hazelnut praline wrapped in milk chocolate with splinters of toffee with a very subtle salty, savory & earthy peat.

Oak brings integrated baking spices and voluptuously thick, syrup like sweetness to the palate. Nutmeg, cinnamon and star anise play with maple and agave sweetness giving into a touch of savory, earthy peatiness.

The finish is medium sweet with flashes of saltiness right at the end.