Set in the hinterland overlooking Byron Bay is Cape Byron Distillery, home to Brookie’s Gin and now a range of three single malt whiskies; Cape Byron ’The Original’, ‘Voigner Cask’, and the most recent addition, Mac. Liqueur Cask.
If you’re not familiar with the distillery, it was set up by Eddie Brooke on his families Macadamia nut farm 15 mins outside Byron, an idyllic location surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest.
The Cape Byron Mac. Liqueur Cask is a single malt whisky finished in a ex-Bourbon cask that has been steeped in Bookie’s Macadamia and Wattle Seed liqueur, ‘Barrel Aged Mac’, made from macadamia’s harvested from the property.
As Eddie puts it, “We’re macadamia farmers first and foremost with a passion for rainforest regeneration. Creating our Mac. Liqueur Cask has brought feelings of nostalgia from growing up with the rich aromas of roasted macadamias wafting through the kitchen. We thought we would have some fun and see what happens when maturing our macadamia liqueur into casks would do and now, we have something just brilliant!”.
Our tasting panel tried the Cape Byron Mac. Liqueur Cask Single Malt, and these were the comments.
“An exceptionally generous whisky that has been finished in a cask steeped in macadamia and wattle seed liqueur. A light sweetness jumps out of the glass, followed by a generous, buttery mouthfeel showcasing the luscious macadamia flavours. There’s a voluptuous and rich palate that exudes milk chocolate, dried apricots, marmalade and vanilla. Great length and a palate in line with the 45%ABV that helps to carry the mouthfeel through to a lovely spice finish. Integrated oak.
Overall this whisky is well balanced and carries the richness well. Very enjoyable and with a limited run we encourage you to jump in quickly.
