New Zealand-based Cardrona Distillery is celebrating its seventh year of production this month by introducing a new addition to its range of small-batch spirits, the Otago Pinot Cask. This unique expression is a single malt whisky that marries Cardona’s quality spirit with the aromas, flavours and colours from four locally sourced, hand-selected Felton Road pinot noir casks.
“Cardrona Distillery uses a revolutionary method to preserve the casks’ rich pinot noir seasoning, bringing them to the distillery within hours of the wine leaving the barrel and immediately charging them with new make spirit,” explained a Cardrona spokesperson.
“The casks are then matured in the extreme environment of the Cardrona Valley, which itself plays a vital part in the maturation process. Temperatures can vary from -10°C in winter to a soaring 40°C in summer, and at 600m above sea level with zero humidity – there really is nowhere on earth quite like the Cardrona Valley. The elements have all played a part in this expression, melding the spirit into a simply extraordinary whisky.”
Cardrona Otago promises a nose full of black amber, plum and nectarine, with a taste of raspberries, poached nectarines, toffee, roasted cashews and baking spices.
With only 1,217 bottles available – priced at around £175 – now is the time to explore the spirits from this New World distillery
. And just in time for Christmas, too.
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