Award-winning Central Coast whisky distillery Amber Lane has announced an exclusive partnership with The Whisky List.

The whisky retailer and distributor will distribute Amber Lane products throughout Australia.

Amber Lane has dominated domestic and international tasting competitions in its first year of commercial operations, including recognition as Category winner – Australian Small Batch Single Malt and gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards 2023, and winning Gold and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2023.

Demand for the refined and complex sherry cask matured single malt whiskies is growing rapidly both in Australia and around the world.

The team behind Amber Lane have mindfully prioritised high production values in the creation of their whiskies, utilising a number of techniques to produce an elegant flavour for their premium whisky. A major contribution to their complex and refined flavours is their cask program, which sees their whiskies matured for a minimum of 4 years, primarily in premium large format 250L+ Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks, sourced from famous Sherry bodegas like Fernando de Castilla, located in Jerez, Spain.

Using traditional Scottish distillery techniques, the team double distil their own whisky using 100% Australian malted
barley in a 3,600L copper still that is modelled on one from Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, Scotland.

Cellar Master Rod Berry also draws on his extensive research and technical knowledge studying Cognac production in south-western France, utilising Cognac style maturation and blending techniques in some of their expressions, which have proven to be highly popular.

Berry said: “We’ve been quietly producing our whiskies since 2018. Our goal was never to rush to market. Using premium large 250L PX and Oloroso whisky barrels from Spain takes several more years to reach maturation ready for bottling, however the extra time our whisky has spent in cask has really allowed the flavours of our new make spirit to strike a refined balance.”

The combination of their robustly-flavoured premium casks, Scottish distillery techniques and Cognac style maturation process produces a refined, elegant and complex flavour of whisky beyond their years.

Regarding the partnership with The Whisky List, Berry said: “We launched our first whisky to market less than 18 months ago
and have already established a strong fanbase of loyal customers through strong online and cellar door sales, with many of our first batches selling out quickly after release. We’ve been prioritising a liquid on lips strategy, showcasing our whiskies at various tasting events and whisky shows across the country to great success.

“As we move into our next phase of growth, we’ve selected an ideal partner with the team at The Whisky List who have demonstrated a strong network both on and off premise, with a deep appreciation for quality whisky and a commitment to customer satisfaction.”

Amber Lane whiskies “akin to Macallan”

The Whisky List co-founder Oliver Maruda said: “There is significant demand for quality Australian whisky matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks. I would even say that Amber Lane’s unique flavour profile and style of whisky is akin to that of traditional sherry cask matured Scotch Whiskies like Macallan, Glenfarclas and GlenDronach.

“On first taste, you’ll discover the rich, complex flavours of Amber Lane, and I know fans of Scotch whisky will gravitate towards this Australian distillery.

“Amber Lane’s tall format 700ml premium bottles make for a great top shelf whisky on any venue’s premium collection. Their whiskies pair well with food, or as I prefer, neat next to a campfire on a brisk winter night for that real Aussie feel.”

Australian consumers can anticipate the highly acclaimed Amber Lane Silk Road, Sleigh Bells, Noble Lane, Equinox and Liquid Amber expressions plus limited edition expressions such as Double Gold medal-winning Apera 087, to be available for purchase at select retailers and bars across Australia and through The Whisky List’s online platform.

For whisky enthusiasts who are looking to try the whiskies, Amber Lane will be launching its second batch at the upcoming The Whisky Show in Melbourne on August 5. Amber Lane will also be showcasing at the Brisbane Whisky Show later this year in September. Attendees will be able to try multiple expressions of Amber Lane single malt whiskies at each show.

Amber Lane joins The Whisky List’s growing distribution portfolio of premium whisky brands Hobart Whisky, M&H Distillery, Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory, and Ledaig. The Whisky List also imports Scotch independent bottlers Decadent Drinks, WhiskySponge, Highlander Inn and represents Australian independent bottler Remnant Whisky Co.