Review: Cape Byron Viognier Cask Single Malt Whisky

Luke McCarthy -
Just inReview
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The third release from Cape Byron Distillery continues the spirit-driven focus Eddie Brook is becoming renowned for.

In this case, Cape Byron’s classic malt has been married up with whisky matured in casks that previously housed the delicious extended skin contact Tangerine Viognier from Inkwell Wines in McLaren Vale. It’s a sensational coming together of flavours and textures. Get around it.

  • Cape Byron Viognier Cask Single Malt Whisky
    The Stats
    • ABV: 46%
    • Price Band: $ $ $ $ $
    • Style: Single malt whisky
    • Production Story: Distilled at Cape Byron Distillery from wort brewed by Stone & Wood Brewery. Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-viognier casks from Inkwell Wines in McLaren Vale. Released December 2023. 1100 bottles in total.
    • Location: McLeods Shoot, NSW
    • Score: 88
    Nose
    Distinctly Cape Byron straight up: bright and tropical. Lovely malt character and a sweet perfume note as the viogner announces itself. Kiwi fruit and peaches, cinnamon spice and honey toast. Just a hint of sea spray and charred pineapple.
    Palate
    Tropical, malty and spry. The viognier influence is much more palpable on the palate. Lychee, pastry and more kiwi fruit. Fresh and vibrant but very composed at just over three years old.
    Finish
    Beautifully integrated. Hints at spice and cocoa from the French oak. Charred fruit on the follow-through.
    Comments
    This is delicious. Juicy, fruity, with great malt, texture and weight and the components have married up beautifully. Once again, the cask selection from the team perfectly supports the tropical and malt-driven Cape Byron spirit. Really enjoyable.
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.