South Australian distillery, 23rd Street, has launched its exclusive Year of the Snake Whisky, crafted to honour the 2025 Lunar New Year. Limited to just 3600 bottles, this release aims to merge Australian distilling with the Snake’s symbolic pursuit of refinement, elegance and wisdom.
Crafted with Kangaroo Island barley, known for its depth of flavour, and distilled in a century-old copper pot still, the Year of the Snake release aims to reflect a dedication to tradition and complexity.
The whisky reveals rich layers of flavour from ageing in 15-year-old Galway Pipe Tawny casks, and its final maturation in charred oak barrels imparts a distinctive wood and fire profile.
23rd Street distiller, Paul Burnett, said the whisky is a tribute not only to the Year of the Snake, but to the skill and dedication that drives the work at 23rd Street.
“Each sip reveals a balance of indulgent toffee, ripe raisins, and a subtle warmth of spice – an experience crafted to evoke the richness of our heritage and the artistry behind every detail,” said Burnett.
“Our hope is that this release brings good fortune and warmth to all who experience it, honouring both tradition and the journey of refinement.”
Check out Food and Drink Business magazine’s interview with 23 Street’s director of hospitality, sales, and marketing, Chris Illman, who shares some insight into the whisky industry in Australia, and 23rd Street's recent expansion in the sector.
The bottle and packaging for the Year of the Snake Whisky is adorned with exclusive artwork by Sydney-based artist, Chris Yee. A proud representative of the Asian-Australian creative identity, Yee’s intricate designs are known for their cultural resonance and imaginative detail.
“Water is symbolised throughout the artwork to represent migration, journey, and transformation – much like the refinement of the Snake,” said Yee.
“With a blend of traditional Chinese colours, linework, flora, and modern design, I wanted the artwork to mirror the journey of creating this exquisite whisky. The rich red signifies the Australian soil, where communities and produce have thrived, adding depth and grounding to the piece.”
The limited-edition 23rd St Distillery Year of the Snake Whisky is available through select Australian retailers, duty-free outlets in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and online via Sippify, for RRP $225.
