Australia is home to a thriving whiskey industry, with over 300 registered distilleries operating across the country. While the industry has experienced steady growth since the early 90s, it has only been in recent years that Australian whiskey has gained international recognition for its quality and unique character.
One of the most highly acclaimed distilleries in Australia is Archie Rose, located in Rosebery, Sydney. The distillery has won numerous awards for its Single Malt Whisky, which showcases six distinct malts to produce a rich and expressive flavor full of regional character.
Another notable Australian whiskey is Starward VITALIS Australian Single Malt Whisky. This special edition whiskey, with an ABV of 52%, is a celebration of the diversity of Australian barley and showcases the versatility of the country's whiskey industry.
The unique character of Australian whiskey can be attributed to the country's varied climate and terroir. The hot and dry conditions of the Australian climate can cause whiskey to mature more quickly, resulting in a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, Australian whiskey makers have access to a diverse range of barley varieties, including heritage varieties that have been grown in the country for centuries.
Despite the quality of Australian whiskey, the industry faces challenges when it comes to international competition. One key factor is the high tax rates on alcoholic spirits in Australia, which can make it difficult for local distilleries to compete on price with international brands.
However, despite thee challenges, the Australian whiskey industry continues to grow and innovate. Small-scale, boutique distilleries are increasingly gaining recognition for their unique flavors and craftmanship, and the industry as a whole is gaining recognition as a significant player in the global whiskey market.
Australian whiskey is a unique and vibrant part of the country's beverage industry. With its diverse range of barley varieties, distinct flavor profile, and innovative craft distilleries, Australian whiskey is poised to continue making waves in the global market.
The Availability of Australian Whiskey
There is Australian whisky. In fact, as of December 2021, there were 333 registered distilleries in operation within Australia, of which approximately 50 have a whisky on the market. The Australian whisky industry has shown steady growth since the early 90s, especially in the boutique craft distilling scene. Australian whisky is produced across the country, with many distilleries using locally-sourced ingredients and unique production methods to create distinctive flavour profiles.
Types of Whiskey Produced in Australia
Australia has a growing whisky industry, with several distilleries producing their own unique styles of whisky. Some of the popular Australian-made whiskies include:
1. Starward – This Melbourne-based distillery produces a range of single malt whiskies, including their flagship Nova whisky. The distillery uses Australian barley and wine barrels to age their whiskies, giving them a distinct fruity and spicy character.
2. Lark – Founded in Tasmania in 1992, Lark is one of the oldest and most well-known whisky distilleries in Australia. Their whiskies are made using local barley and are aged in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels.
3. Sullivan's Cove – This Hobart-based distillery is known for its award-winning French Oak cask whisky, which has been named the world's best single malt whisky. The distillery also produces a range of oter whiskies, including a double cask and a bourbon cask expression.
4. Bakery Hill – Located in Victoria, Bakery Hill produces a range of single malt whiskies, including a classic malt and a peated malt expression. The distillery uses locally-sourced barley and oak casks to age their whiskies.
5. Hellyers Road – Based in Tasmania, Hellyers Road is known for its Peated and Original whiskies, which are made using locally-grown barley and pure Tasmanian water. The distillery also produces a range of other spirits, including vodka and gin.
Australian-made whiskies are known for their unique character and high quality, with many distilleries using local ingredients and innovative techniques to create their whiskies.
The High Cost of Australian Whisky
Australian whisky is relatively expensive compared to oter countries due to the high alcohol tax rates adopted by the Australian government. In 2022, the tax on alcoholic spirits in Australia amounted to $88.91 per litre of ethanol. This high tax rate significantly increases the cost of producing and selling whisky in Australia, which in turn leads to higher prices for consumers.
In addition to the tax rates, Australian whisky producers often use high-quality ingredients and traditional distilling methods, which also contribute to the higher cost of production. Australian whisky is typically aged in oak barrels for a longer period than other countries, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor profile. This extended aging process adds to the production costs and also affects the final product's price.
Furthermore, Australian whisky is not as well-known as other whisky-producing countries such as Scotland or Japan, which can also impact the price. The lack of brand recognition and the smaller production volumes mean that Australian whisky producers cannot take advantage of economies of scale, leading to higher production costs.
The high tax rates, use of premium ingredients, extended aging process, lack of brand recognition, and smaller production volumes all contribute to the relatively high price of Australian whisky compared to other countries.
Conclusion
Australian whisky has come a long way since its humble beginnings, with the industry showing steady growth and producing some outstanding drops. The use of local ingredients and unique production methods has resulted in a range of whiskies with distinct regional character and flavour profiles. Among the many distilleries operating in Australia, Archie Rose and Starward stand out for their exceptional quality and innovative approach to whisky-making. While the alcohol tax rates in Australia may be high compared to oter countries, the quality and craftsmanship of Australian whisky make it a worthwhile investment for any whisky enthusiast. So, whether you're a seasoned whisky drinker or just starting to explore the world of whisky, Australian whisky is definitely worth trying.
