Scapegrace Ephemeral Single Pinot Noir Cask #RP9 New Zealand Single Malt Whisky (2023) 70cl

1 of 233 bottles produced from a single Pinot Noir Cask

From New Zealand distillery Scapegrace, there are just 228 bottles of this available as one of only two Pinot Noir Cask whiskies released by Scapegrace this year, in the world, and the only one outside of New Zealand.

Ephemeral was made from New Zealand laureate barley and aged in a 200-litre virgin French oak barrel for at least five years before it was finished in a single New Zealand Pinot Noir cask. It was then bottled at a cask strength of 57% ABV and is presented with its natural colour, and without chill-filtration.

The Central Otago region is among the most notable Pinot Noir-producing regions and the wines are known for being elegant and structured with a bright acidity and notes of red fruit, fresh herbs, and some floral elements.

TASTING NOTES

Nose
Blackcurrant compote, tinned peaches, figs, honey-roasted peanuts, oak tannins, some stony minerality, BBQ rub, pickled walnut, watermelon, and Black Forest gâteau.

Palate
A full-bodied, slightly waxy texture. Waves of spice, oaky and peppery, burst out of the gate followed by dark chocolate (the posh kind), fruitcake, red wine, Manuka honey, oak char, and walnut.

Finish
Stewed plum, toasted brown sugar, a little red chilli earthiness, and cherry.

About Scapegrace

In a world shaken by uncertainty, volatility dances like a shadow, unpredictable and swift. It swirls around us, a tempest in the calm, uprooting the expected and planting seeds of chaos. In its wake, the Scapegrace thrives—sly and opportunistic.

The Scapegrace Distillery was completed in 2022 in Central Otago, close to the Dunston River and Mount Pisa. In addition to Single Malt Whisky, the New Zealand distillery also produces Gin and Vodka.

Located in Auckland, New Zealand, Scapegrace uses a blend of local ingredients and traditional techniques to craft spirits with bold, contemporary flavors. Their whiskies are aged in a variety of casks, adding complexity and depth. Tours are available, where guests can learn about their innovative distillation process and taste their dynamic range of spirits.

A small selection of spirit manages to reach the UK and when it does, it is not seen online for very long particularly when in single cask form. Climate in New Zealand produces hyper aged whisky and a high degree of evaporation / angel's share.

57% ABV

70cl