Waiheke Whisky – Cantankerous 8 Year Old (70cl, 48%)

Cantankerous is an 8 year old non-peated single malt from Waiheke Whisky in New Zealand, bottled at 48% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill filtered, with no added colour. The spirit was distilled in 2015 in copper pot stills, using unpeated Gladfield malt from New Zealand, and bottled in 2022. It matured in three cask types: virgin American oak for vanilla, caramel and light spice, ex-bourbon casks for a creamy texture, and a Muscat cask for sweetness and floral notes. It won Double Gold and the Trophy for Best World Whisky at the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2023. The aroma is floral and spicy, with candied citrus peel and caramel. The palate is full-bodied and sweet at first, then dried fruits, roasted nuts and burnt sugar, ending in a long, spicy finish.