IceInspace-Inspired Whisky Distillery Launch

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share a good news story with you all that harks back to the NSW Central Coast IceInSpace observing group, which used to meet regularly at the Pony Club.

As some of you will recall, Phil Townsend and I used to be part of that group. Phil started with an 18 inch SDM, and I observed with the Mary Rose 20 inch SDM. Later Phil upgraded to a 28 inch SDM, which made a few appearances at the Pony Club too. Phil and I met through that Pony Club group, and it was the basis of our friendship which has blossomed over the years.

Sometimes we would take our large telescopes (and families) to Coonabarabran with the other IceInSpace members John Gurkin and Anna Novak. During one such visit In 2017, Phil, John and I visited a small whisky distillery at Mendourin called Black Gate, and it put an idea in our heads that we might be able to do something similar.

In 2018, Phil and I bit the bullet and ordered a 3,600L copper still, (which we call the Mary Rose) and since late that year we have been putting away new make in barrels to mature.

Fast forward to today, 25 March 2022, and we have finally launched our distillery together, which we have called Amber Lane.

On the About Us section of our distillery website, we pay tribute to how amateur astronomy was the catalyst for this new direction. And if you follow us on this adventure, we promise there will be many astronomy-inspired releases as we go along!

Anyhoo, I just wanted to say that IceInSpace achieves some pretty special things - and I will be ever-grateful to Mike Salway and the moderators who keep this place alive, for making this opportunity possible!

Our website is at amberlanedistillery.com if you want to find out more!

Slainte!

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Rod

Damn, order #00009, too slow to get #1.

I hope it's a good drop.

Philip

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Originally Posted by iborg

Hi Rod

Damn, order #00009, too slow to get #1.

I hope it's a good drop.

Philip

Legend Philip! Thanks for your support!

[h0ughy (David)]

Not that I drink whisky but does explain a lot. All the best

[RB (Andrew)]

Gosh, we've had some great times together Rod.
So happy to see you and Phil making your dream come true.

Sue and I wish you all the very best in your new business venture.
We know you'll make it a success.

Cheers my friend.

RB

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

great news Rod

geoff

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Congratulations on your new venture! Sounds exciting.

Are international shipments available?

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

Congratulations on your new venture! Sounds exciting.

Are international shipments available?

Hi Scott,

It says on the website that shipments are only to Aussie for the moment 👍

[gary]

Congratulations Rod and Phil.

All good things take time.

Coincidentally I was talking to the current owner of the Mary Rose just a few days ago.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by PCH

Hi Scott,

It says on the website that shipments are only to Aussie for the moment 👍

Did not have a chance to check their website but will. I guess it is another in a growing list of why I need to move back to Australia

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Hi guys, apologies for the slow reply. It's been a hectic couple of weeks!

The bottling company is labelling today, so we are about to start sending out packages to those who have placed orders. Am excited to get the product out into the market place. Let the fun begin!

Philip - Let me know how you find our first expression. At 50.6% ABV it is strong to those not used to that level of alcohol, but is definitely a whisky-lover's dram!

H0ughy - thanks buddy. Amber Lane = something to enjoy when the clouds roll in and nothing useful can be achieved in the Doghouse.

RB - we'll need to share a dram AND a couple of your favourite cigars!!

Geoff - Amber Lane + Freezer Suit = winter warmth

Scott - Hi!! Nice to hear from you! I am trying to imagine how old your boys must be now?? With international shipping, we are looking at this at the moment, hopefully within a couple of months this will be in place. Will let you know.

Gary - love to you and Mai. I have also had some email exchanges with the new owner of the Mary Rose in recent weeks. She has gone to a very good home!

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Rod


Thanks for the update.


I have tried two cask strength single malts, one very nice as is, the other not so much. Both very nice nice indeed when diluted with a little water, and both very different diluted compared to neat.


Philip

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Thanks Philip.

Yes, if whisky is a bit strong or harsh, a few drops of water can tame the beast. Usually the water will make the dram a bit sweeter too.

I have been a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for about a decade now - they only sell cask strength whisky, non-chill filtered. One of the joys of this is you get to choose, as the consumer, how you want to drink it - neat at full strength (circa 60% ABV) or dilute it to your preferred strength.

A lot of whisky aficionados say that 50% ABV is the golden ratio. In the case of this first release, we have aimed close to this mark, and I think it works very nicely.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Sounds great on the future possibility international shipping! My boys (now young men) are both in college and doing well. Aging I hope as well as your new offerings…