Winning whisky: A dram for every palate

There's a world of whisk(e)y to explore out there, and as wine and spirit award season hits full swing, the spotlight is on the best of them. From rare single malts from faraway lands to highly collectable collaborations and NOLO (no- or low-alcohol) creations, there's something for every whim, palate and occasion. These three are worth tasting.

Bushmills 2012 Burgundy Cask, Ireland, $135

This Aussie-exclusive rare single malt was released last week and had quite the journey to get here. In 2012, the precious liquid was matured in oloroso sherry and bourbon casks at Northern Ireland's Old Bushmills Distillery, then aged in heritage Burgundy wine casks. It's simultaneously beautiful, alluring and bold. 51.8 per cent alcohol.

Find it at thewhiskyclub.com.au/bushmills

Fleurieu Distillery/Black Gate Distillery Country To Coast #3, $198

Oh, for the love of killer collabs. This doozy by Fleurieu Distillery (SA) and Black Gate Distillery (NSW) cleaned up in this month's Tasting Australia Spirit Awards, winning the Best Whisky and the Innovation gongs. In a nutshell, it pairs two barrels (Apera casks filled with peated new make); one distilled and matured in each state. Spectacular and very small batch. 50 per cent alcohol.

Find it at wine merchants and blackgatedistillery.com

Drummerboy American Dark, NSW, $45

Let's get one thing straight. There's no booze in this, baby. It looks the part and tastes surprisingly good but there's zero alcohol in this NOLO "spirit". For their efforts, Sydney-based brand Drummerboy was named Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Producer of the Year at the recent Melbourne International Spirits Competition. A nice option if you like the romance and pomp of a dram, minus the buzz. 0 per cent alcohol.

Find it at drummerboy.com