Review: Amber Lane Silk Road Single Malt Whisky

Luke McCarthy -
Whisky Reviews
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It was great to see Amber Lane Distillery do so well at the recent Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, and with whiskies like this it’s little wonder. This expression is inspired by Cognac maturation, hence the initial burst in virgin American oak (although Cognac producers stick to their native French oak) before a final resting in second fill ex-Bourbon casks.

  • Amber Lane Silk Road Single Malt Whisky (June 2023 Release)
    The Stats
    • ABV: 58%
    • Price Band: $ $ $ $ $
    • Style: Single malt whisky
    • Production Story: Distilled at Amber Lane Distillery and initially matured in virgin American oak casks before spending the rest of its time in second-fill Bourbon casks. Released June 2023.
    • Location: Wyong, NSW
    • Score: 91
    Nose
    Caramel fudge, honey and freshly ground nutmeg. The Amber Lane roasted barley and brown sugar notes - seems to be a distillery trait - are properly on show here as well. You sense the oak, but it's certainly not overbearing.
    Palate
    Baking spices and coconut as the American oak asserts itself. But just when you think the wood influence might overreach, it lengthens out and the spirit comes through with vanilla butter biscuits and toffee. Found water unveiled more nuance and cereal complexity in the distillate, but it also drinks beautifully at 58%.
    Finish
    Long and moreish, spice cupboard and slightly nutty at the tail. Highly drinkable at this ABV, which isn't always the case for Australian malts.
    Comments
    There are plenty of nebulous names for whisky expressions out there, but in this case, 'Silk Road' perfectly encapsulates the experience. The spice and vanillins from the American oak have been so well managed, and it's refreshing to see old, well-tested ideas being re-purposed for Australian conditions. So well thought through, and the maturation method works brilliantly with the Amber Lane spirit. Impressive.
How We Score
Luke McCarthy
Luke McCarthy is the editor and publisher of Oz Whisky Review. An independent writer, author and drinks columnist, Luke's written about whisky and spirits for numerous Australian and international publications and is a judge at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. His book, The Australian Spirits Guide, the first to tackle the history and resurgence of the Australian spirits industry, was published in 2016 by Hardie Grant Books.