Independent UK bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company (TBWC) will unveil its first release of Australian whiskies on April 23.

The line-up of eight new expressions is the brand’s first full range of whiskies from Australia. It’s also the first series release from a single country since shifting strategy to a quarterly focus last year. 

That Boutique-y Whisky Company is a project by Atom Brands, which also produces Bathtub Gin, Character of Islay Whisky Company and Darkness Whisky.   

Sam Simmons, Head of Whisky at Atom Brands, said: “We are so proud, and feel so lucky, that Boutique-y has the respect of peers and pioneers across the whisky world, that we’ve fostered relationships with the flavour makers behind each malt and rye whisky in this Australia Series to be able to put together a range like this. 

“Take note of these distillery names, it may be the first time you’ve heard some of them (certainly if you’re not from Australian Shores), but it will not be the last. 

“While I think it’s fair to say that most of the world is just waking up to the fact that Australian whisky is on the map at all, I would dare say that these whiskies, and the future of whiskies from down under, may turn the world upside down. Literally flipping the hegemonic order on its head, with Australia at the top of the pile in the 21st century.” 

The series will see bottlings from a collection of highly sought after, small batch craft distilleries, many of which have not previously been available outside of Australia. Included among this list is Belgrove, a farm-to-glass distillery run by Peter Bignell, one of the most known and loved faces in Australian whisky. 

Bignell said: “The label is great fun and informative, and I love the ABV they have cut this bottling to. It has highlighted a sweetness which has balanced the typical spicy notes of Belgrove Rye. 

“Australia has developed a flourishing craft distilling industry which has expanded rapidly in the last seven years or so. Keep a watch out for Australia’s passionate distillers who will be releasing many different expressions into the world market in the next few years.” 

Alongside Belgrove, the release also includes bottlings from Starward, Black Gate (whose total annual output is just 3000L) and Killara, founded by Kristy Lark-Booth – daughter of Bill Lark aka the ‘godfather’ of Australian whisky. 

Lark-Booth said: “That Boutique-y Whisky Company has fantastic products that are presented to market in a unique and fun way. I love all their different labels and the range of worldwide distilleries that they have on offer and was excited when I was approached to collaborate with them. 

“I am really proud of this bottling, it is the first Killara Whisky that is available to the international market and one of the first 100lt (quarter casks) that were decanted and I especially love the label. There has been a huge rise of popularity in Australian whisky both domestically and internationally and it is exciting to be able to showcase this whisky to the world with Boutique-y.” 

The full lineup will be available globally from the 23rd April 2021 and in Australia to the trade via Proof & Company as well as online and in store through The Oak Barrel, Old Barrel House, Nicks Wine Merchants and other independent retailers. 

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Australia Series Lineup (with RRP) includes: 

Black Gate 3YO Single Malt – $255

Belgrove 4YO Rye – $299

Tin Shed 3YO Single Malt – $215 

Fleurieu 3YO Single Malt – $190 (exclusive in Australia to The Oak Barrel) 

Killara 2YO Single Malt – $375 

Riverbourne 3YO Single Malt – $239 

Starward 3YO Single Malt – $179

Bakery Hill 5YO Single Malt – $299

Sister brand That Boutique-y Rum Company is also releasing two rums from Australia to complement the series. It will be launching bottlings from Black Gate Distillery as well as an exclusive bottling for the Australian market from Riverbourne Distillery.