This small-batch Tasmanian single malt showcases McHenry’s experimental edge, bottled at a balanced 44% ABV after five years of careful maturation. The whisky draws character from two distinct vessels—a 100-litre Maker’s Mark ex-bourbon barrel and a 20-litre French oak Port cask—bringing together creamy bourbon sweetness with rich, fruit-laden depth from fortified wine and fine-grained oak.

McHenry Distillery

Perched near Port Arthur on Tasmania’s southeast peninsula, McHenry Distillery is Australia’s southernmost family-run distillery. Its cool maritime climate and pristine spring water encourage slow, steady maturation, while a hands-on, small-cask approach yields expressive, flavour-forward releases across whisky and gin.

McHenry Barrel No. 1 Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla and caramel from bourbon oak, layered with dark berries, dried fruits, gentle spice and a hint of Port tannin.
Palate: Rich and rounded—creamy vanilla and caramel meet fruity Port sweetness, dark chocolate, subtle nuttiness and oak spice.
Finish: Medium to long, lingering dark fruit, vanilla and warm oak spice with a touch of dry French oak.

Why add McHenry Barrel No. 1 to your collection?

The dual-cask narrative—bourbon for gloss and sweetness, French oak Port for plush fruit and structure—delivers complexity well beyond its years. As a small-format, small-batch Tasmanian release, it’s a characterful bottle that highlights McHenry’s craft and the island’s cool-climate maturation signature.