Amber Lane

Amber Lane falls into the 'new-school' category of Aussie whisky producers with a careful and considered approach to distillation, cask selection and blending. Relatively new on the scene, Amber Lane was founded in '17 on the NSW central coast. Distillery founders Rod Berry and Phil Townsend take their whisky seriously, and it shows in the glass. One of Amber Lane's main distinctions from other Aussie single malts is the use of imported Spanish sherry casks as well as locally produced Apera casks. The result is a more complex fortified wine influence than most. These sherry casks are usually blended with ex-bourbon casks to provide balance and spirit character. Still youthfull and therefore occasionally a bit jumpy, these whiskies need time to open up and let the volatiles dissipate. But, if you leave a dram in the glass for a few mintutes, you'll be rewarded with heaps of wonderful, sweet fruit character and well-balanced oak. Entry level bottles are also priced well to compete with imported single malts, and we need more of that if Aussie whisky is ever going to emerge from boutique territory. As a young-ish distillery, Amber Lane is already producing some really solid whiskies, so the future looks bright for the brand. -FRED SIGGINS