Introduction to Sullivans Cove

First ever release of Sullivans Cove XO Double Cask Brandy is a marriage of ten different casks, each selected for their individual flavour profiles to create a uniquely Tasmanian spirit much more than the sum of its parts. Each brandy in this batch was aged for between nine and ten years in various French Oak ex-tawny and American oak ex-Bourbon casks, distilled from a wide variety of Tasmanian wines including chardonnay, pinot noir, gewurztraminer, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot to achieve incredible complexity.

Tasting Notes for Sullivans Cove XO Double Cask Brandy

Nose: A delicate dance of cherry blossom and quince paste unfurls, with honey weaving through. Sweet iced tea mingles with ripe white nectarine, bringing a sun-soaked warmth. There’s a subtle sugar cane sweetness - whether it's fresh juice or the earthy scent of bagasse, it’s wonderfully evocative. Yuzu peel adds a citrus snap, balanced by buttery shortbread and the richness of milk chocolate. As the bouquet deepens, walnuts and muscatels emerge, underscored by the heady aroma of tropical blossoms.

Palate: Silken, with a medium-full body that coats the palate. Cocoa gives way to the comforting notes of lamington, while that distinctive sugar cane from the nose evolves into bright lemon and sweet grape juice. White chocolate smooths the edges, allowing nectarine, mango, and kiwi to take centre stage, before strawberries and cream bring a playful sweetness. In a surprising twist, pastis or absinthe-like herbal notes - aniseed, rounded and bold - join the symphony. The oak structure, subtle at first, grows with a gentle grip, adding balance and complexity.

Finish: An Earl Grey tea bitterness entwines seamlessly with cinnamon, a clear reminder of the oak’s influence. Tropical fruits return with intensity, led by dragon fruit's vibrant burst, before transitioning into the softer sweetness of dried fruits - apricot, dates, and figs - layered with the rich nuttiness of walnuts. A touch of lime zest sharpens the profile, adding brightness, while a lingering pastis note leaves a final herbal touch, evoking an elegant, slightly aniseed finish. Each element plays in harmony, creating a finish that evolves with depth and intrigue.

Overall: All in all, a full bodied and beautiful brandy with an intriguing balance of topical and savoury.'