We're all familiar with smoking barley during the kilning stage of whiskymaking, usually with peat, that produces these complex and of course smoky aromatics and flavours. It's the basis for one of the most famous and popular styles of whiskies in the world, that of peated whisky, which can range from earthy and heathery, to medicinal and umami.

But Australia's Archie Rose figured what if the cask was smoked instead of the barley itself!

The result of which is the new four-part Archie Rose Smoked Cask Series.

Wattleseed.

Through a selection of limited release Australian single malt whiskies, Archie Rose will take fans through a unique take on whisky maturation that will see casks smoked with four of Australia's most iconic botanicals - starting with the Wattleseed!

Wattleseeds are edible seeds of the Australian Acacia (or Wattle) tree, which have historically been used to make bread or flour, offering a distinct nutty, coffee and chocolate flavour.

For this new expression, Archie Rose has worked with Australian coopers to have their casks smoked with native wattleseed, along with several other favourite botanicals, which is said to help the cask develop a discreet smoke and nuanced aroma, which allows the botanical spirit to come through, creating notes of roasted nuts, cacao nib, dried apricots and a long and complex finish with hints of toasted grain and buttery biscuits.

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: Campfire, pork crackling, dark roasted coffee beans, malty caramel fudge and more subtle notes of peach skins, lanolin and lantana stem.

Taste: Bacon, flaky shortbread, roasted macadamia and hazelnut coat the palate, supported by papaya, leather, rose and baking spice.

Finish: Biscuit, fruit, roasted nuts and smokey bacon.

The new Archie Rose Wattleseed Smoked Cask Single Malt Whisky is priced at AU$219, and is bottled at 51.7% ABV, and will be released from 24 September 2025.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team