Tasmanian Treasure: Barrel Lane’s Exclusive October Drop Features Hellyers Road’s Vibrant ‘The Sicilian’ Whisky

WORDS: Georgina Barnes PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Barrel Lane Whisky Club is thrilled to unveil its exclusive October drop, featuring Hellyers Road Distillery’s “The Sicilian” – a remarkable Marsala Finish 2017 American Oak Ex-Bourbon Single Malt Whisky. This rare, small-batch release from Australia’s oldest operating whisky distillery showcases a unique maturation process that sets it apart from the rest.

Key highlights:

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Volume/ABV: 700ml / 46.5% ABV

Ageing Process: Aged in ex-bourbon casks from Heaven Hill, finished in Marsala casks from Sicily

Terroir: Crafted with Tasmanian terroir, matured near Bass Strait’s maritime climate

Tasting Notes: Vibrant, fresh complexity with a balanced mouthfeel

Distillery: A product of Australia’s oldest operating whisky distillery, Hellyers Road Distillery

NOSE

Lovely light florals dance with vanilla fudge, stone fruit and hints of raisins and spice 

TASTE

A clean balanced mouthfeel coats the palate with aplomb. Layers of fresh wood, honey and brioche characters add elegant layers of depth and flavour 

FINISH

A very well-rounded single malt that exudes character and balance. A sophisticated cask finish where the time in secondary oak has added flavour and complexity

Whisky with a Story:

Hellyers Road ‘The Sicilian’ is a masterfully crafted whisky laid down in 2017 in ex-bourbon casks from the iconic Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky. Its journey continued in Marsala casks, sourced from the historic Marsala Florio winery in Sicily, Italy, offering a perfect marriage of Australian craftsmanship and Sicilian heritage.

This Marsala cask finish adds layers of vibrant complexity to the whisky’s profile, resulting in a bright and fresh character with a clean, balanced mouthfeel. The spirit also benefits from extended maturation in large-format casks and Hellyers Road’s staggered ABV entry-proof technique, which allows the desired flavours to evolve beautifully over time.

A distinct feature of Hellyers Road is its proximity to Bass Strait, where the cool, temperate maritime climate of Tasmania’s North West Coast imparts a singular influence on the maturation process. Every bottle of ‘The Sicilian’ encapsulates the unique environment in which it’s aged.

A Legacy of Excellence:

Hellyers Road Distillery is synonymous with premium whisky-making in Australia, earning international acclaim, including multiple prestigious awards at the World Whiskies Awards. This October release continues the distillery’s legacy, embodying both the richness of Tasmanian terroir and the meticulous craftsmanship for which they are known.

About Barrel Lane:

Barrel Lane is Australia’s premier online subscription-based whisky club, focused on delivering exclusive, small-batch Australian craft whiskies to whisky enthusiasts nationwide. Founded by Joshua Robinson and Lauren Smith, Barrel Lane champions the artistry of local distilleries while providing its members with access to rare, one-off releases.

Members can opt for monthly or bi-monthly deliveries, with prices starting from $135, ensuring both exceptional value and fairness to distillers. By keeping its membership base intimate, Barrel Lane ensures every box is a personalised experience, showcasing the diversity and excellence of Australia’s whisky industry.