Iron House Maverick Port SMWC Edition

The almost-identical sibling of the Iron House Maverick Muscat SMWC Edition. It just so happens that as well as the Muscat casks stowed on the Maverick, there were also a couple of Port casks stowed alongside for good measure.

Now, we’re not sure what has happened to the rest of the port casks but we managed to grab some bottles for our members – but the rest of that cask has disappeared apparently. I do seem to remember someone saying that the skipper of the Maverick just loves port matured whisky, so I guess one shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but…. As for the second port cask, well Ironhouse is holding onto the entirety of that one for some unspecified mischief down the track.

Anyway – we are offering a 500ml bottle of this alternative Maverick, the Maverick Port Cask. Same process as our Malt of the month – but a different ex-fortified cask. Four Years in Port casks in the Ironhouse Bond store, then 1 year at sea on the Maverick. Bottled in 500ml bottles at 52%ABV. Once again – we are incredibly lucky to have been given some of this Maverick Port Cask. It was really put on board as a favour to the skipper and for the Ironhouse boys themselves. We’re honoured they’ve allowed us even a little of this wonderful and collectable drop.

Nose: Plumb jam and mixed peel with a creamy top end

Palate: Rich and viscous on the palate with a very mellow warmth. Lots of figs , plumb, sultanas and raisins but also Arnott’s Malt-o-Milk biscuit notes too.

Finish: Long and very satisfying. lovely salted caramel, coffee and malt with a swirl of salty ham running around it all.

Overall the port cask is a sweeter whisky than the Maverick Muscat cask. It’s also maltier as well. Is it better? Hard to say. This one better with dessert, the Muscat better with cheese. In my humble opinion, of course.

Following the true definition of a Maverick, Ironhouse has taken our barrel ageing process to a radical level by moving our housed 4 year Fortified barrels and finishing them on a Abalone Fishing boat named Maverick for 12 months on the high seas of The Tasman where they travelled over 3280 nautical miles.

The constant movement of the ocean churns the spirit with greater interaction with the wood, extreme temperature and barometric ranging creating a hyper ageing effect taking you on a sensory voyage like no other.

TASTING NOTES:

Colour: A luscious golden hue with polished copper.

Nose: Buttered toast, port sweetness, ANZAC biscuits, and buttery vanilla.

Palate: Sweet ANZAC biscuits, fresh brown sugar, and molasses create a warming sweetness. Stewed Apricots, White pepper, Buttered Bread, grandfathers port, salted caramel and oak with dark chocolate and slight salty-savoury quality there as well.

Finish: You can enjoy a mid to longer finish with sweet red wine ports, brown sugar, fiery warmth, and oak at the very end.