Distillery Dive #155: A Swan Song

Our inaugural release from this Israeli distillery, based in Tel Aviv, comes in the form of our popular comparative series – Distillery Dive! Distillery Dive #155: A Swan Song compares and contrasts two malts of the same age and cask maturation with different malt specifications. But first, a little more about Distillery 155….

Founded in 2013, this is Israel’s first whisky distillery who hit the ground running by employing none other than Dr. Jim Swan to be their first consultant and master distiller. You see, Jim was a master of the tropical maturation process, coaxing unbelievable aromas, flavour and colour out of whiskies in a very short amount of time. Distilleries in tropical regions around the world called on him to help with making the best whisky possible. 155’s Mediterranean climate made it a perfect candidate for Jim’s expertise. Together, they created a beautiful range using shaved/toasted/re-charred casks (a Dr. Jim Swan invention) and ex-bourbon casks. Sadly, Jim passed away in 2017 but his legacy lives on in distilleries like this one. Distillery 155 currently boasts 5 ranges of whisky. Our focus is on their classic range.

Here, we juxtapose two 4-year-old malts aged entirely in 1st fill shaved/toasted/re-charred barriques. Israel’s hot climate accelerates the maturation process, and this type of cask packs the distillate with loads of flavour! Cask No. 155.1 A great starter was crafted from 100% unpeated malt and boasts a profile that might remind you of a delicious cocktail – bold spices, burnt orange peel and loads of honeyed character. Floral accents throughout lend sophistication to the well-textured and round palate. Cask No. 155.2 Blended at birth was crafted from 50% peated malt and 50% unpeated malt. The result is a roasty, toasty and tasty palate of game meats, stewed berry fruits and rum raisin ice cream. We suggest you try these casks side-by-side in our Distillery Dive 155: A Swan Song bundle! Compare and contrast these exotic styles mastered by Dr. Jim Swan and perfected by the talented team at Distillery 155! 

L'chaim!