Description

NED Australian Whisky (200ml)

Volume: 200ml         ABV: 40%         Age: No Age Statement         Country: Australia

The Whisky

NED Australian Whisky is a bold, grain to glass spirit that has quickly become a staple of the burgeoning Australian whisky scene. Distilled in Melbourne, NED is a “Sour Mash” style whisky, drawing inspiration from American Bourbon traditions but crafted with a uniquely Australian twist. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is aged in second fill American Oak barrels in the intense, variable climate of Victoria, which accelerates the maturation process and creates a much deeper flavour profile than its years might suggest.

Inside information reveals that NED uses a proprietary maturation process called “NED-ification,” where the spirit is exposed to high frequency sound waves to encourage deeper penetration into the wood. This results in a whisky that is exceptionally smooth and rich for its age. Unlike many boutique Australian malts that use only malted barley, NED uses a corn, wheat, and barley mash bill, giving it a signature sweetness and a “chewy” texture that sets it apart from traditional Scotch-style Australian whiskies.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet and inviting. You’ll find classic notes of creamy vanilla, toasted oak, and butterscotch, followed by a hint of sun-ripened orchard fruits and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Palate: Rich and syrupy on the tongue. It opens with honey and salted caramel, which quickly transitions into a spicy mid-palate of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted coconut. The corn in the mash bill provides a soft, mellow sweetness throughout.

Finish: Medium-length and warming. The finish lingers with sweet oak tannins, vanilla bean, and a final, clean burst of dried apricot.

The Distillery

The NED Distillery (owned by Top Shelf International) is located in Campbellfield, Melbourne. It is named after the legendary Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, embodying a spirit of independence and defiance. A unique factual detail: NED is one of the few Australian distilleries to utilize a custom-designed continuous column still alongside traditional pot stills, allowing them to create a spirit that is both highly refined and full of character. Their maturation warehouses are non-climate controlled, meaning the whisky breathes heavily through the wood as Melbourne’s “four seasons in one day” weather patterns shift.

Overall Review

The NED Australian Whisky is widely reviewed as the best-value entry point into the Australian whisky category. Critics praise its “big, bold, and approachable” personality, making it a perfect choice for Bourbon fans looking for something local, or as a versatile base for premium cocktails like an Old Fashioned.