Old Kempton Winter Release Single Malt Whisky 2023 (500ml)

The 2023 Winter Release from Old Kempton Distillery is another small batch run of just 200 litres. This year’s Whisky marries the magic of OKD’s Single Malt Pinot Noir cask with the powerful and round flavours of a Heaven Hill Bourbon cask. The chosen casks—hand selected by Head Distiller, Rob Tyson—were matured in Pinot Noir barrels (all locally sourced from Stefano Lubiana, Frogmore Creek and Moorilla) for three years before being finished for a further twelve months in a single 200-litre Bourbon barrel. Tyson’s aim is to strike the perfect balance between casks; ensuring the Pinot Noir-derived spice and berry fruit finds its harmony with the vanillin sweetness and broad power of the Bourbon wood. This Distiller’s growing affinity towards Bourbon barrels has been evident for some time now, and we can expect it to play a larger role in future releases—if this batch is anything to go by, it’s a fine development. 

It's a powerful Whisky, with layers of berry fruit, Christmas cake spice, soaked citrus and vanilla pod sweetness emanating from the glass. The palate is complex, layered with dark fruits, roasted nuts, a pleasant woodiness and dustings of cocoa nib with a twist of fresh citrus on the lingering close. At 58% abv, this is full of flavour, power and texture—perfect for those chilly Winter nights. We recommend adding a drop of water if you’re so inclined.