Kangaroo Island Spirits Single Malt Whisky is a genuinely island-made Australian single malt, matured in ex-bourbon casks for a clean, approachable style. It comes from Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS), based at Cygnet River on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The distillery was founded in 2006 by Jon and Sarah Lark and has grown into one of the state's most respected small producers, with Jon being the brother of Bill Lark, a pioneering figure in the modern Australian whisky story.
What sets this release apart is how much of it is rooted in the island itself. Barley is grown and malted locally, rainwater is captured on site, and every step from milling and mashing through to fermentation, distillation and maturation is carried out on Kangaroo Island by a small, hands-on team using traditional methods. The ex-bourbon casks add a gentle vanilla sweetness that frames the spirit rather than overwhelming it.
Expect a vibrant nose of fresh lime zest and lightly toasted oats, leading into a light-bodied palate with soft vanilla sweetness and a lift of white pepper. Clean and fresh from start to finish, it makes an easy-drinking introduction to island-distilled Australian whisky, enjoyed neat or over ice.