Forget Scotland, some of the best whisky in the world is being poured right out of South Australia, and your wallet doesn’t even have to break a sweat over it.
Renmark’s own 23rd Street Distillery has just absolutely smashed it on the global stage, crowned Australian Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition for the second year running. If that wasn’t enough to raise a dram, their Australian Single Malt Whisky took home Double Gold with a whopping 96 points, beating out over 500 entries from 39 countries and rubbing shoulders with international heavyweights that cost two to three times the price.
Housed in a lovingly restored 1914 landmark out in the Riverland, 23rd Street leans hard into the region’s warm climate, copper pot stills, and locally grown Australian barley. While Scotland shivers, the Riverland sun works overtime to fast-track that magical dance between spirit and oak.
With two stellar bottles sitting on shelves nationwide, we decided to put them head-to-head. It was a little like choosing your favourite child though, so don’t make us pick a favourite! The award-winning Single Malt is crafted with Kangaroo Island barley grown on the South Australian cost and aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, pouring a gorgeous golden amber that greets you with elegant toffee and lifted fruit before rolling into a full, lightly sweet palate of juicy apricot, malted milk, and a butterscotch-oak finish with lingering warmth. It’s the kind of complex, showstopping pour best enjoyed neat by a moody fireplace or over a single large ice cube when you want to properly savour a champion.
On the flip side, their classic Australian Whisky blends premium malted barley and is aged in ex-bourbon American oak alongside richly seasoned tawny barrels. It kicks off with zesty citrus and caramelised fruit aromas, leading into a palate of sweet oils, biscuity malt, dark chocolate spice, and roasted nuts that melts into a creamy, ultra-smooth finish. Because it plays so nicely with others, this is your ultimate weekend warrior, brilliant for shaking up into a highball on a sunny courtyard or splashing over ice when you want a versatile pour that won’t disappear in a mixed drink.
Whether you’re splashing out on the award-sweeping single malt or stocking up the home bar with its versatile sibling, it’s officially time to leave the Scottish imports on the shelf and toast to local Aussie spirit. Cheers!
– The Plus Ones
