Kentucky's Augusta Distillery has unveiled two new expressions, marking a significant expansion of their core range. The releases showcase the distillery's growing confidence in their whiskey-making approach and signal their intent to compete more seriously in the crowded bourbon market.
The first release is a single barrel bourbon bottled at cask strength, promising bold, unfiltered character. Single barrel offerings have become increasingly popular among Australian bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate the unique fingerprint each barrel brings. Expect robust flavours and no two barrels quite the same.
What Makes These Releases Notable
The second expression is a wheated bourbon, joining the growing category of wheat-forward whiskeys that have captured serious attention in recent years. Wheated bourbons tend to offer softer, sweeter profiles compared to traditional high-rye mashbills, with notes of honey, vanilla, and baked goods coming to the fore.
Augusta Distillery isn't a household name in Australia yet, but these releases suggest they're building something worth watching. The distillery has been quietly maturing stock and refining their process, and these new offerings represent their most ambitious releases to date.
Australian Availability
Here's the reality: availability in Australia remains uncertain. Smaller Kentucky distilleries often struggle to secure distribution in our market, particularly when competing against established names. If you're travelling to the States or have connections with American retailers who ship internationally, these might be worth seeking out.
For Australian buyers, the key question is always whether a bourbon justifies the premium we inevitably pay. Without confirmed local pricing, it's difficult to make that call. However, single barrel cask strength releases and well-executed wheated bourbons typically hold their value, especially if the distillery gains traction.
Source: Fred Minnick
