Next up from my Vita Dulcis 2020 International Whisk(e)y Advent Calendar was Hellyers Road from Tasmania.
I remember being blown away by the intensity of flavours and character of the Hellyers Road 12 year when first tried it – some five years ago.
This is the Original “Roaring Forty” expression, named after the 40km/h winds which blow in the rain-clouds. It’s aged in American white oak barrels and was the 1st Hellyers Road sampled at 40%.
What did I think?
Australia – Hellyer’s Road Original Roaring Forty 40%
- Colour – Bright straw
- Nose – Distinctly different. Almost rancio, not paint varnish but something a bit paint-like and funky. Nuts… Some over ripe bananas, almost banana cream pie, tartar
- Palate – That nuttiness continued on the palate, some dark fruits
- Finish – A bit of spice
Frankly, it was a bit peculiar… There was none of the intensity or bursting with flavours of the 12 year.
Not sure this one is for me, to be honest…
I came back to revisit just to see if it changed character… Nope!
I couldn’t find any official tasting notes on Hellyers Road website, however the chaps at Master of Malt have this to say?
- Nose: Creamy lemon and vanilla – a bit like Lemon Meringue Pie. Hints of banana and toffee.
- Palate: Grassy at first, before juicy notes of pear and plum appear.
- Finish: Peanut brittle, cedar.
I’ve found it online in Germany for EUR 45.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed our Ozy whisky explorations which has covered quite a range! Specifically with Hellyer’s Road, we’ve tried
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Whisky Lady 
Had a taster of Roaring Forty a while ago.
Must admit to being nonplussed by it – far preferred their peated offering myself.
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I also found their peaty one interesting. My fav so far was the 12 year – just bursting with character! This one? Meh… not so much. 😉
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