For Smith’s Angaston tragics, it’s always an exciting time when new whiskies are unveiled by the Yalumba winery in the Barossa. Three Smith’s Angaston single malts have just been released, the first new bottlings since 2021, with a Bourbon Cask, New French Oak Cask and Muscat Cask rounding out the trio.
These whiskies were distilled in 2011, matured for 10 years, and then given a two year finishing period in the casks mentioned. They’re officially out for release Monday 26 August, so get in quick if you’d like to nab a bottle!
The Muscat Cask has been released individually in its own 700ml bottle, and priced at a very reasonable $165.00. While a 3 x 375ml pack of the three whiskies is also available for $297.00, which is, again, great value.
Over the weekend, a number of tours and tastings were held at Yalumba in honour of the occasion. The team were even firing up the old 1931 pot still and conducting malt distillations across the weekend, which is exciting for those keen to try more Smith’s Angaston in future.
Yalumba is also celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, an incredible achievement for the proudly family-owned business. I finally made it to the historic site last year and got a full tour of the operation, which has long been on the bucket list.
When you visit, you get an amazing feel for how winemaking and distilling occurred in symbiosis here for over 130 years. (For the full story behind Yalumba’s brandy and whisky making history, check out our in-depth profile.)
I was even lucky to meet Yalumba’s senior winemaker and distiller, Kevin Glastonbury, and, encouragingly, he told me malt whisky distillation has been happening more frequently of late. The team are now well aware of how much enthusiasm there is for these enigmatic single malts, so it will be fascinating to see how they develop in coming years.
Below, you’ll find my review of the three new bottlings, which can now be purchased through the Smith’s Wine Store website.
