Review: Killara Dark Mofo 2023 Special Release KD60

Luke McCarthy -
Whisky Reviews
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The latest Killara Dark Mofo bottling, this one a tawny cask malt finished in a rum cask. I’d love to find out which rum these Tassie cask finishes previously held (I’ve heard it’s the one associated with a bear from Queensland). The casks rarely seem to add much in the way of pronounced ‘rum’ flavour, which I’m not complaining about, just find it interesting.

  • Killara Dark Mofo 2023 KD60 Single Malt Whisky
    The Stats
    • ABV: 50%
    • Price Band: $ $ $ $ $
    • Style: Single malt whisky
    • Production Story: Distilled at Killara Distillery, matured for five years in a 100 litre ex-tawny cask and then finished in an Australian rum cask for one month. Bottled 14 April 2023. 129 bottles in total.
    • Location: Richmond, TAS
    • Score: 86
    Nose
    Rich and raisiny. Christmas spice mix, rum and Montenegro (Full Monte No. 2), although the rum cask influence is hardly forward.
    Palate
    Not as malt-driven and textural as some other Killara releases. This is more syrupy, with funk and grip from the tawny. Sweet caramels, jersey creams and fruit & nut chocolate.
    Finish
    A little shorter than expected. The sweet spice and rum kicks in late.
    Comments
    Plenty to like here. Not sure the tawny and rum flavours marry up perfectly, but this is fun and decadent. I'd love to stir down some cocktails with this.
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.