In the world of whisky innovation, few techniques carry the weight of antiquity quite like amphora resting. While most distilleries chase the latest trends in cask finishing, Callington Mill has reached back through millennia to resurrect a practice that predates Christianity – and the results are nothing short of revolutionary.
Australia’s most cutting-edge distillery has opened ballots for what may be the country’s most intriguing limited release: the Callington Mill Amphora Single Malt Whisky. With fewer than 1,000 bottles available at $199 each, this represents Australia’s first amphora-rested single malt – a liquid archaeology project that bridges ancient Mediterranean wine-making traditions with Tasmania’s whisky craft.
At Callington Mill’s Tasmanian distillery, three handmade 350-litre clay amphorae have housed what is Australia’s first amphora-rested single malt. Once matured and ready for bottling, this whisky was further rested for two years in these clay vessels, where it underwent a secondary evolution, gaining refinement, softness, and an ethereal finish that is unique to this particular process.
“We made sure when we started this amphora process two years ago that we picked a liquid worth the wait,” says Expert Distiller Blair Whitehead. “It’s about letting the spirit speak for itself and seeing what character starts to shine through when you treat it with this kind of care.”
Unlike oak, which imparts tannins and vanilla notes, clay amphorae work as neutral vessels that allow the whisky to breathe while gently removing volatiles and impurities. The porous nature of clay also permits up to 50% more evaporation than traditional oak casks – a phenomenon that creates scarcity by design while concentrating the flavours.
Beginning its journey in a carefully curated blend of Sherry, Tokay, and Brandy casks, the whisky develops its foundational character before making its transition into the amphorae. The result is a 46% ABV drop that delivers complexity – rich golden brown with a subtle glint of red earth, it opens with aromas of freshly turned soil and sun-dried hay, beneath which lies a warm depth laced with toasted nuts and dried fig.
On the palate, it is exceptionally smooth – coating the mouth with a silky blend of milk chocolate and roasted almonds, while a soft undercurrent of sweet vanilla rises mid-sip. The finish presents what Whitehead describes as “an easy-drinking dram that lingers with elegance” – hints of rolling tobacco emerge, followed by a gentle transition from milk to dark chocolate, deepening with well-integrated oak tannins that leave a warm, subtly spiced impression.
For Callington Mill, the amphora experiment delivers a statement about the future of Tasmanian whisky and the advancement of their distillery. “The Oatlands distillery has engineered out the repetition, so we could make space for instinct,” explains founder John Ibrahim. “With automation handling the routine, our team is free to focus on the craft – guided by experience and intuition, not just process.”
The ballot system, which is open now exclusively via callingtonmilldistillery.com, ensures equitable access to what promises to be one of the year’s most coveted Australian whisky releases. With less than 1,000 bottles available, Callington Mill’s Amphora Single Malt Whisky is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most profound innovations come from looking backward.
This article is presented in partnership with Callington Mill Distillery. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
