Lost Phoenix Spirits Wagyu Fat Washed Whisky 700ml

Lost Phoenix Spirits works out of Hindmarsh Valley on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, and describes itself as a collaboration between gastronomy and distilling. Whole ingredients are drawn from the distillery's own farm and the surrounding region, and the results tend to sit closer to the kitchen than to the traditional whisky cabinet.

Fat washing is the technique that made the name. Warm fat is infused into the spirit and left to marry, then the whole thing is chilled until the fat solidifies and can be lifted away, leaving behind the fat-soluble flavour compounds and a noticeably richer, silkier texture. It is a trick borrowed from high end cocktail bars and applied here to whole bottlings rather than single drinks.

With wagyu the payoff is savoury depth. Expect a rounded, almost buttery weight across the palate and a gentle umami richness sitting under the malt, finishing longer and softer than the spirit would on its own. Best served neat or over a single large cube, where the texture has room to show.