Manly Spirits Co. has released its signature blended whisky Coastal Stone: Xplore, with a price point of $79 RRP.
Coastal Stone: Xplore has been blended both to be drunk neat and mixed in whisky cocktails and the $79 price will help to provide retailers and venues with a moderately-priced Australian option.
Vanessa Wilton, co-owner of Manly Spirits Co., emphasised the whisky’s ability to elevate cocktail experiences.
“As whisky cocktails gain popularity nationwide, we recognized the chance to introduce a local, high-quality blended whisky to cater to bars. Xplore whisky’s light character offers incredible versatility, making it perfect for cocktails. Bartenders can create contrasting serves with peat, spice, and malt, while also enhancing floral, fresh, and maritime notes,” said Wilton.
Tasting notes describe “a light, smooth palate with rich flavours of butterscotch, molasses, and cinnamon spice”. It has been matured in ex-Australian wine and ex-bourbon American oak casks. Dave Richards, distillery manager and accomplished winemaker, spoke about the distilling process.
“The art of creating a balanced and approachable whisky is achieved by the distillation of multiple grains and marrying both different cask types and size formats ranging from 225-500L along with different maturation ages. Each component playing an integral part in whisky making and the final delicious liquid,” Richards commented.
The whisky was distilled on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and the new 700mL textured glass bottle reflects the iconic sandstone gateway cliffs of Sydney Harbour.
Manly Spirit Co. has won a number of awards for other whiskies in the Coastal Stone series, including gold medals for the Nor’easter and Pinot cask releases at the 2023 San Franscisco World Spirits Competition, and the Best Australian Small Batch at the World Whisky Awards.
And I thought Starward was the approachable & affordable whisky in Oz.
Great to see someone else in that category.