For us, a trip to Tasmania always leads back to the Shene Estate & Distillery, where the magnetic pull of the property is both eerie and familiar, like a pilgrimage of sorts, where you can roll and stroll the fertile fields in peaceful reflection, taking in the sheer grandeur of the place, that dates back to 1819, with respect, to those who came before us. Where you’re surrounded in rich history and enveloped by acreage that once cultivated sweet wheat and golden barley. Where the intoxicating cereal-aromas of the distillery’s mash tuns float within the cooling embrace of the Pontville breeze, joined by the intimate hum of the copper pot stills, softly plying their trade.
Forged by convicts, born from blood, there’s the Pagan symbols (I kid you not), the Georgian Homestead, the spellbinding barrel-houses and gothic stables, where apparitions are known to lurk in the shadows, and the convict-picked sandstone fireplace, all quietly co-existing like a snap shot from a bygone era.
It’s here where you’ll find the Kernke family and distiller; David Kernke, who along with his crew, have taken great care to ensure that the property’s original purpose is echoed in the tireless restoration they continue to provide, as their genuine labour of love.
AND NOW,
The Shene Distillery has well and truly put itself front and centre in the minds of whisky enthusiasts. Already a multi-award-winning distillery, they’ve swept more golds, with 5 Double Golds and 1 Gold Medal in the category: ‘Other Single Malt Whisky’ at the ‘2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’. With Cask 144 of their older stock also receiving Double Gold, we’ll break down each of their 5 new releases along with our tasting thoughts.
It’s all about context
Since its introduction in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
has become one of the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world.
With more than 3,800 entrants and 40 renowned judges in 2021, SFWSC is the largest spirits competition in the U.S.
DOUBLE GOLD is awarded to the entries that receive a gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world. GOLD is awarded to exceptional spirits that are near the pinnacle of achievement; these products set the standard for their categories.
New Release – Award Winners
Shene Distillery – Mackey ‘Trinity’ Triple Wood Tasmanian
Single Malt Whisky 700ml 49%
Double Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition
Details
700ml: 49%alc
Region: Pontville Tasmania
Cask type: Tawny/Sherry/Port
Release Date: April 2021
Description
Trinity is the embodiment of the triple distilled journey Shene’s whisky undertakes and portrays their innovative three oak cask seasoning method. Firstly, matured in exclusive Australian Tawny casks, then further evolved in timeless Spanish Sherry Oak from Andalusia, Spain and finished in Portuguese Port Pipe wood from Douro Valley, Portugal creating a multifaceted whisky.
Our tasting notes
The triple wood shines brightly on the nose where layers of sun-dried raisons, ripe plums, cinnamon and orange-oil effortlessly meld in to a syrupy palate rich in cherry jam, dried fruits and poached figs. The finish is drying and quite long revealing burnt toffee and savoury spice.
Final thoughts: Double Gold Medals – Oh yeah! The Trinity is an absolute revelation and came in a very close 1st place against the other four 2021 Shene/Mackey releases we tried.
Shene Distillery – Mackey ‘Enigma’ Triple Wood Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 700ml 49%
Double Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.
Details
700ml: 49%alc
Region: Pontville Tasmania
Cask type: Apera/Tawny/Sherry finish
Release Date: April 2021
Description
Enigma is the embodiment of excellence with the spiritual alliance of science and
art giving rise to this triple distilled expression. Distilled with the utmost care and aged in Australian Apera and Tawny casks, the spirit continues to develop complexities as it is finished in premium Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks from Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.
The Distillery comments:
“Finishing our whisky in sherry oak wood allows us to draw out deep, sweet
intense flavours resulting in a complex, harmonious and contrasting flavours that
dances on the palate. Delivering a melody of flavours and complexities that is simply unrivalled”.
Our tasting notes
Not as sweet on the nose compared to Shene’s ‘Elixir of Life’ expression with the added Oloroso bringing notes of beautiful autumn leaves, wild honey and distant truffles, fantastic at 49% alc. The palate does heat up, (time in the glass tempers the heat) bringing a plush mouthfeel that mingles baking spices, black tea and chocolate coated almonds to deliver a warming finish with slight tannin.
Final thoughts: The distillery nails it when they call this whisky “… harmonious and contrasting flavours that dances on the palate. Delivering a melody of flavours and complexities…”
Shene Distillery ‘Elixir Of Life’ Sherry Cask Tasmanian Single
Malt Whisky 700ml 49%
Double Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.
Details
700ml: 49%alc
Region: Pontville Tasmania
Cask type: Sherry finish
Release Date: April 2021
Description
Shene may not have found the fountain of youth, but their quest has delivered an interesting paradox with this expression. ‘Elixir of Life’ is firstly matured in Australian Apera and Tawny casks crafted at Shene’s very own cooperage on their Estate. When the spirit reached its height, it was further evolved in sought-after Pedro Ximenez casks from Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.
Our tasting notes
Incredibly rich on the nose with the sherry influence evident. Notes of black forest cake, marzipan and hazelnuts join a palate flushed with fresh berries, candy spice and intense cocoa to deliver a lengthy finish with welcome hints of coconut and warm spice.
Final thoughts: A buoyant whisky with gentle punch that’s never overpowering. A sweet balance between flavour and ABV.
Shene Distillery ‘Solera Cask’ Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky
700ml 49%
Double Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.
Details
700ml: 49%alc
Region: Pontville Tasmania
Cask type: Apera/Tawny
Release Date: April 2021
Description
The distillery has taken this rich, sweet whisky through a combination of hand selected cask types, commencing with the finest Australian tawny and apera casks, skillfully crafted by Shene’s very own onsite cooperage. Once the whisky has reached it’s prime, the spirit is further aged in an exclusive Grand Burge Solera cask system using time honoured traditions of continuous fractional blending techniques.
The Solera system explained in a nutshell:
A process of maturing liquids such as whisky, by fractional blending the juice in such a way that the finished product is a mixture of the sum of its earlier parts, a process that is continued over many years. It’s a labour-intensive exercise that is used to maintain consistency in flavour and a reliable style of whisky over time.
Our tasting notes
The nose runs a little hot at first but then settles right down to offer delightful wafts of new leather, molasses and orange jaffas leading to a drying front palate that turns creamy and fluffy on the back end offering vanilla bean and fruit chocolates. The finish is medium in length presenting spice, soft oak and espresso coffee.
Final thoughts: This whisky took its time to reveal the sum of its parts. A dash of water definitely softened the alcohol heat adding layers of complexity to a well-constructed dram.
Shene Distillery ‘Cognac Release’ Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 700ml 49%
Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.
Details
700ml: 49%alc
Region: Pontville Tasmania
Cask type: Cognac finish
Release Date: April 2021
Description
This Cognac Cask expression from Shene is quite the distilling marvel.
Striving for creative flavour led the distillery to the inception of a singular triple distilled and double distilled Tasmanian single malt whisky marriage. This one-of-a-kind spirit initiated its aging journey exclusively and separately in meticulously handcrafted Apera and Tawny casks from Shene’s very own cooperage.
Once matured, the kindred spirits were married together and finished in premium French Cognac casks. The release echoes Shene’s well-known triple distilled style and showcases a collection of unique characteristics derived from these cask types.
Our tasting notes
The Cognac cask really shines, building on the nose in waves of perfumed sweetness and cinnamon spice. It’s aromatic, fresh and quite delicate which was a welcome surprise. The palate and finish are an assortment of spice, wood and vibrant fruit. Think baking spices, new leather, soft tannin, juicy grapes and cherry pie.
Final thoughts: An impressive whisky with a sweet tooth that will stay with you long after the final pour!
In Conclusion
We’d like to congratulate Shene for their gold medal haul, they are one of the hardest working teams in the industry. They’re distillers, conservationists, builders, historians, tour guides, story-tellers and simply great folk. May the awards be plentiful, the apparitions sparse, and the spirit ever-flowing for many years to come. We’ll see you again soon enough!
If you want to learn more about the history of the Shene estate dating back to 1816 and how whisky and gin came to flow on the property, visit our blog HERE
For more about Shene Estate & Distillery visit them here