Blogpost: Water of Life – Bakery Hill

Posted by T • September 3, 2019

Posted by T • September 3, 2019

Water of Life – Bakery Hill

Now, this instalment of our series is a special one – special because Bakery Hill is the one distillery that almost got away. I have pursued the oldest and most established single malt distillery on Australia’s mainland for quite a while and every time I came across a bar that had their offerings on the shelf, I partook and savoured every drop.

Bakery Hill Distillery, whose emissions have not only accumulated accolades but have met such an extensive demand that they had to curb their export endeavours to focus on satisfying the local appetite for its exquisite drops.

Having learned more about Bakery Hill and their approach to distilling, this does not come as a surprise as not only all facets are informed by a quality first and borderline scientific approach, but minuscule attention to detail is paid when it comes to maturing their single barrel whiskies, the content of which will only be released when it has met their internal benchmark set by founder and ex-chemist now chief alchemist David Baker.

We have had the pleasure of being guided by Andrew Baker, Operations Manager and distiller from Bakery Hill Distillery, through the history of Bakery Hill Single Malt whisky. The evening could not have found a more suitable ambience as it was held within the stylish and classy confines of the recently opened Highlander Whisky Bar, which we have covered before.

The evening started with the warm, fruity and welcoming Single Cask Classic Malt. Given that it is a no age statement, young drop, it is not surprising that after the nostrils are tickled by a melange of fruit and yeast, alcohol heat cuts through waves of vanilla and before it finishes with a spicy oaky crescendo. While it is not overly complex, it is on the flavourful side of things and hinting of what was to come next.

Bakery Hill Double Wood took things to the next level: Matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in French oak casks, this drop is an example par excellence for combining layers of subtle flavour nuances, the total of which is much bigger than the mere sum of its individual components: The aroma is already an experience in itself with sweet vanilla dancing with passion fruit and sweet spices, which seamlessly transitions to what materializes on the palate: Orange chocolate meets nuances of mango, plums and culminate in an unexpected spicy finish.

Expectations were now high as we had not even progressed to the Peated Malt expression I had been looking forward to.

Matured in American Oak, the peated golden drop is not exactly peat forward – au contraire – on the nose the aromas of peat are framed by fruity and earthy undertones, which interweave in an intriguing manner. The first impression that it is reminiscent of the peated, more sophisticated Speyside whiskies is confirmed by what materializes on the roof of the mouth: Earthiness dominates is pierced by hints of fruity and a subdued smokiness, only to arrive at a charismatic elongated finish. A brilliant drop that again raised the bar.

However, the ultimate highlight was yet to come: Andrew Baker was so kind to share a sample of Bakery Hill’s limited Sovereign Smoke expression and boy, was I in for a treat.

To fully savour the experience, I paired the whisky with a Hop Nation Jedi Juice IPA and while I got a weak spot for well-matched boilermakers, this one proved to be one that will be hard to rival.

Bottled at 50% ABV, the limited-edition Sovereign Smoke hints at Islay heavyweights on the nose, however, there is a twist to it as the peated barley is imported from Belgium and adds coastal peat aromas that are reminiscent of the Hebrides yet are enriched by salty nougat and sugary undertones.

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the palate is serenaded with complex nuances that run the claviature from salty ends of the spectrum to sweet via detours to malty territory.

It is testament to Bakery Hill’s art of distilling that even Sovereign Smoke with its higher peat level maintains their trademark distinct sweet DNA at its core, culminating in an elongated finish that is smoky in the most subtle manner, framed by tobacco and brown sugary sweetness.

Delicious.

---

Photos by @k.a.vv

T • September 3, 2019

More recent blogposts

Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday and Foxing

Posted by Mirela Z. • August 27, 2025

Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Foxing Budweiser Stage Toronto, Canada August 24, 2025 What a treat catching two great bands Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria co-headlining on their 2025 North American tour. Special guest Foxing, from St. Louis, Missouri, opened the night with a 30 minute set, weaving delicate melodies into explosive waves of emotion that filled … Read more

Chevelle – Bright as Blasphemy tour 2025

Posted by Mirela Z. • August 23, 2025

Chevelle @ Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Canada August 20, 2025 That feeling, when you’re having the best experience ever, and you don’t want it to end! Chevelle delivered a powerful headlining performance marking a high-energy stop on their 38-date North American Bright as Blasphemy tour, with supporting acts Dead Poet Society and Asking Alexandria setting the stage. A wall … Read more

Less Than Jake Summer Circus @ RMA 8/1/25

Posted by Aaron H • August 6, 2025

Less Than Jake - Credit: AMH The circus is in town. Less Than Jake are currently on their Summer Circus Tour promoting their latest EP, Uncharted. They've brought along ska and punk legends Fishbone and The Suicide Machines and ska newcomers, Catbite. Together, they've melded a perfect mish-mash of bands suitable for all ages. Riverside was in for a good … Read more

The Hives @ Enmore Theatre

Posted by T • July 26, 2025

The Hives Enmore Theatre Sydney, Australia July 23, 2025 Let’s be clear: The Hives didn’t play a show. They detonated one. On a cool Sydney night at the Enmore Theatre, the Swedish kings of garage rock stormed the stage like tuxedoed insurgents, staging a velvet-clad coup d’état against anything remotely resembling restraint. It wasn’t a concert. It was controlled chaos … Read more

Gob @ Peterborough Music Festival

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 22, 2025

Gob @ Peterborough Music Festival Peterborough, Ontario, Canada July 19, 2025 Gob nailed their set, energizing both die‑hard and casual fans alike. The band’s punchy hooks and raw performance had the crowd bouncing throughout the 90‑minute set, delivering both nostalgia and vitality. A perfect addition to a summer night in Peterborough! All photos by @front.row.fans Read more

Murder City Devils/Animal Self @ GHCH 7/12/25

Posted by Aaron H • July 17, 2025

Murder City Devils - Credit: AMH The Murder City Devils don't get out much anymore, so when the opportunity presented itself, I made my way down to Pomona to catch one of the 2 shows they had lined up in California. They brought along Animal Self, which features Kareem Karam and Coady Willis from Murder City Devils as well as … Read more

Daryl Gussin - A Year In Submission

Posted by Jiffy Marx • July 16, 2025

Can't say my review of it will be as well written or entertaining as this book of 50 poems by Daryl Gussin. Daryl is the managing editor of Razorcake. Daryl was in an awesome punk band called God Equals Genocide. Daryl is my friend but also possibly my spirit animal. Part of me wonders if the leather jacket that Daryl … Read more

Tripping Daisy North American Tour 2025

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 13, 2025

Tripping Daisy @ Lee's Palace Toronto, Canada July 11, 2025 Tripping Daisy brought us back to 1995 and sounded better than ever! When the crowd sings along 30 years later there’s no better feeling! All photos by @front.row.fans Read more

Death from Above 1979

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 6, 2025

Death from Above 1979 @ SummerStage New York, USA July 2, 2025 Death from Above 1979 tore through SummerStage with pure, unfiltered energy. The Toronto duo delivered a thunderous set packed with fuzzed-out bass, pounding drums, and raw vocals that had the crowd thrashing from the first note. From classics like “Romantic Rights” to newer bangers, the band was tight, … Read more

Sum 41 @ Scotiabank Arena

Posted by Mirela Z. • June 19, 2025

Sum 41 final shows - day 1 of 2 Scotiabank Arena Toronto Canada Jan. 28, 2025 All photos by @front.row.fans   Read more