More so than Viognier cask whisky, Byron Bay might be best known these days as the home of Chris Hemsworth and his Hollywood friends, but whisky lovers should be talking about Cape Byron Distillery — co-founded by Byron local Eddie Brook and one of Scotland’s most celebrated Master Distillers, Jim McEwan.
McEwan’s name is synonymous with quality and innovation — from decades at Bowmore to reviving Bruichladdich and creating the legendary Octomore series. His influence at Cape Byron is unmistakable.
About the Release
The Viognier Cask is Cape Byron’s first release in their new Small Batch Series — limited to just 1,150 bottles.
Matured for a minimum of three years, it’s aged in a mix of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and French oak Australian Viognier casks from Inkwell Wines, a certified organic producer in McLaren Vale. The barrels mature in Cape Byron’s unique environment, kissed by both sea breezes and rainforest air, creating a whisky that’s distinctly coastal and tropical.
Bottled at 46% ABV, it follows on from their well-received Chardonnay Cask — a tough act to follow, but expectations here were high.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep gold with thick, slow legs.
Nose: Bursting with tropical character — ripe pineapple leads the way, followed by apricot and a subtle thread of white wine influence from the Viognier. Complex and expressive for 46% ABV.
Palate: A standout texture — thick, buttery, and mouth-coating, very much in line with McEwan’s signature style. Buttery richness gives way to spiced fruit notes like stewed apple, supported by hints of stone fruit and gentle oak spice.
Finish: Long, smooth, and lingering. The buttery mouthfeel keeps the flavours hanging around well after the sip.
Final Thoughts
The Viognier Cask is a full-bodied whisky that delivers richness without heat, making it a great pick for single malt fans who enjoy a sweeter profile but don’t want an overpowering sherry influence. The white wine cask brings a distinctive twist that could also appeal to wine drinkers dipping their toes into whisky.
It captures Cape Byron’s signature style while standing as its own unique expression — balanced, textural, and on par with the excellent Chardonnay Cask. At around $150, it’s fairly priced for the quality and limited nature of the release.
What’s Next for the Small Batch Series?
Future expressions in this series include:
- Mac. Liqueur Cask Single Malt
- French oak wine casks hand-selected by Jim McEwan, known in the industry as The Cask Whisperer.
Cape Byron is a distillery worth watching closely — and the Viognier Cask is a release worth tracking down while you can.