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Man of Many
2 days ago
- Business
- Man of Many
Hellyers Road 22-Year-Old American Oak is the Label's Oldest Whisky Ever
By Nick Hall - News Published: 26 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 3 min The Lowdown: Fiona Coutts, head distiller at Hellyers Road | Image: Hellyers Road Distillery Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Hellyers Road Distillery has unveiled its oldest expression to date, the American Oak 22 Year Old from Single Cask 2325.03 . . The aged expression matured for 22 years, 3 months and 25 days in one American oak, ex-bourbon cask formerly home to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. in one American oak, ex-bourbon cask formerly home to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Only 80 bottles have been produced, each retailing for AUD$1,450. To some, 22 years might seem like a lifetime, but for award-winning distillery Hellyers Road, it couldn't have come soon enough. The Australian whisky icon has unveiled its oldest expression to date, the American Oak 22 Year Old from Single Cask 2325.03. Milled, mashed, fermented and distilled on-site, the latest release marks a decidedly home-grown endeavour, buoyed by a unique sense of terroir that is, unapologetically, Tasmanian. Sourced a single 200-litre cask, the aged expression was first laid down in November 2002, where it matured for an extraordinary 22 years, 3 months and 25 days in one American oak, ex-bourbon cask formerly home to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. From that cask, just 80 bottles were produced, each exuding notes of soft vanilla, ginger and a rich honeyed finish. According to Fiona Coutts, head distiller at Hellyers Road, the long fruit-forward American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 represents the pinnacle of the label's maturation approach. Subtle, soft and layered with intricate complexity, the whisky elevates Hellyers Road's house style to another tier of premium production. 'The Hellyers Road American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 is a stunning example of how our whisky ages so well in large American oak barrels,' Coutts said. 'The influence of the Bass Strait, a stone's throw from our Bond Stores, paired with time in a 200-litre ex-bourbon cask, has resulted in a whisky of depth, complexity and concentration. Honey and vanilla notes are at the fore, complemented by a magic that only time, the right oak and contact with oxygen can create over two decades.' Fiona Coutts, head distiller at Hellyers Road | Image: Hellyers Road Distillery As Coutts explained, a premium whisky of this esteem demanded more than just a standard bottling. Each unit of 22-Year-Old American Oak release is housed in a unique presentation box hand-crafted by local master woodworker Rob van Tholen from prized Tasmanian timbers. The fusion of Huon Pine, Myrtle and Celery Top Pine, speaks not only to the ageing process of the liquid inside, but also to the label's connection to the local land. Hellyers Road has been a staple of the Tasmanian whisky industry since its inception in 1997, producing a stellar back catalogue of single malt expressions and aged whiskies; none more important than this. To mark this milestone moment, the label has also included a letter of authenticity with each bottle, personally signed by Fiona Coutts. Adding to its individuality and intrigue, each presentation box has a secret locking mechanism to safeguard and showcase this treasured release. An exceptional example of aged Australian whisky showing the results of patience and the influence of maturation by the sea, the Hellyers Road American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 is available now and priced at AUD$1,450. Only 80 bottles have been produced, with the expression expected to sell out. Hellyers Road American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 | Image: Hellyers Road Hellyers Road American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 Brand : Hellyers Road : Hellyers Road Release : American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 : American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 ABV : 56.5% : 56.5% Cask Filled: 21 November 2002 21 November 2002 Drawn : 18 March 2025 : 18 March 2025 Litres drawn: 62 Litres 62 Litres Yield : 80 bottles : 80 bottles Total Maturation : 22 years, 3 months, 25 days : 22 years, 3 months, 25 days Size : 700ml : 700ml Price: AUD$1,450 Hellyers Road American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask 2325.03 | Image: Hellyers Road
AU Financial Review
22-05-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
The top whisky you can buy without going on a waiting list
Fiona Coutts can't quite believe her luck. Four years ago, the former bio-med scientist was in the middle of a distilling course when she met Andy Bower, who'd just started as the new general manager of Hellyers Road whisky distillery in Tasmania's north-west. 'I grew up in the north-west,' says Coutts. 'It's such a special place, wedded to my soul. We'd visit Hellyers and my dad, who was a Scotsman, would buy bottles of the whisky and send them back to his mates in Scotland.'
