Callington Mill Distillery is based in the restored heritage precinct around the historic Callington Mill windmill in Oatlands, in Tasmania's Midlands. Its single malts are distilled and matured on site, shaped by the region's cool highland climate.
Festive Cask is a seasonal single malt matured in a selection of the distillery's finest sherry and port casks, crafted with the flavours of the Christmas table in mind. It pours a deep, rich mahogany with slow, oily legs that cling to the glass.
The nose is sweet and inviting, with spiced sultanas, marzipan, dried prunes, orange zest, brandy butter and baked apple, plus a hint of steamed Christmas pudding. On the palate, dried fruit leads before giving way to dry, spiced oak, with dark raisins, candied peel, nutmeg and brandied cream balanced by a firm tannic grip. The finish is long and lingering, moving from jammy sweetness and an oily texture to a medium-dry close of festive spice, aged tobacco and warm fruitcake.
Pour a dram after Christmas lunch, or save it for when the pudding comes out and share it with family and friends over the holidays.