Remnant Whisky Co, an award-winning independent bottler based in Tasmania with an unusual story, has built on the intrigue of the brand with the launch of The Golden Fleece, a 10-year-old Tasmanian single malt whisky with a $99 price point.
Remnant was born out of the infamous Nant barrel investment scheme when Peter Bignell of Belgrove Whisky, along with his son Dane and friend Phil Collidge bought over 300 barrels from the remnants of the scheme and moved them to Peter’s own bondstores. The whisky then continued to mature, enjoying the climate of Tasmania’s Central Highlands and building flavour.
Those barrels now hold some of Tasmania’s oldest whisky, and to think they almost never saw the light of day. But thankfully the team at Remnant continue to curate and bottle the barrels and showcase the amazing flavours of Tasmania.
Remnant The Golden Fleece Single Malt Tasmanian Whisky was created by marrying 14 casks of ex-American Oak Bourbon and ex-Australian Sherry (Apera). The youngest component casks are, as far as could be ascertained, at least 10 years old. Bottled at 45 per cent ABV in a 500ml sized bottle, with an official RRP at $99.
Creative Director of Remnant Whisky Co., Collidge said: “Our goal from the onset when we created Remnant Whisky Co. was to bottle whiskies of exceptional quality and value. Tasmanian single malt whisky is held in high regard all across the world. However, we are also convinced that to stay relevant and sustainable, especially in the current economic climate, we have to develop a reputation as the best value, high quality, whisky money can buy. So we created ‘The Golden Fleece’ with the aim to change the conversation around accessibility, especially when whisky drinkers talk about Tasmanian whisky.”
Master Distiller Peter added: “The Golden Fleece has undergone the same strict cask selection and vatting process as all our previous releases. Firstly, we design all our whiskies for a great drinking experience. When you purchase a Remnant, you will always receive a full flavoured, multi-layered single malt whisky that is a pleasure nosing, through to a long finish. Whisky is honest, we let the whisky tell us at what ABV strength works best for that release, and that’s been the same for The Golden Fleece. An incredible example of Tasmanian whisky.”
Tasting notes describe, “aromas of spiced Christmas pudding, butterscotch and fresh berries. A rich and creamy palate invites you to experience burnt figs, overripe nectarines and peaches, leading to a gratifying finish of caramelised apples, anise and fortified fruits”.
The story of where the whisky started out is not a pleasant one, but Peter and Phil understand this and their aim with Remnant is to release great whisky and bring value back to those everyday Australians who invested their money and hearts into a nightmare. Remnant is restoring faith in Tasmanian’s whisky industry and has awoken from a nightmare to become a beloved Tasmanian whisky bottler.
Oliver Maruda, Co-Founder of The Whisky List, who distributes Remnant on Australia’s mainland expressed his enthusiasm for the new whisky.
“We love this whisky,” he said. “Not only does it taste great, it’s adding to the growing category of other Aussie distilleries in the sub-$100 price range, especially if we want more Australians who drink mostly Scotch Whisky blends to consider drinking local. The Golden Fleece is the perfect Tassie whisky we hope to see in everyone’s home bars, or at your local pub or bar. A great gift for Christmas too.”
Remnant Whisky Co. is distributed by The Whisky List, alongside their growing distribution portfolio of premium whisky brands Hobart Whisky, Amber Lane, M&H Distillery, Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory, and Ledaig. TWL also imports Scotch independent bottlers Decadent Drinks, WhiskySponge, and Highlander Inn.