Tasmanian distillery Sullivans Cove has released Navigator, a 16-year-old single malt matured entirely in American oak and limited to just 1,372 bottles worldwide.
Hobart-based Sullivans Cove, founded in 1994, is Australia’s most decorated whisky distillery. The release follows a win at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards in London, where the distillery was named World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt for an 18-year-old French oak ex-white-wine cask. It was Sullivans Cove’s fourth World’s Best title, after 2014, 2018 and 2019, and the first time any distillery has claimed the top honour four times.
Distillery Manager Heather Tillott said the release reconnects with the heart of Sullivans Cove’s whisky-making identity. “Navigator is a return to what has always mattered here – spirit that has a seat at the table: full body and heavy weight, thick texture and layered complexity. American Oak played a defining role in our early years, and this release revisits that foundation through the lens of time and maturity.”
CEO Andy Gaunt said the inspiration for the whisky traces back to the distillery’s earliest vision. “Our founder once saw abalone paired with single malt whisky while travelling through Japan, and it sparked the idea of creating a Tasmanian whisky designed to sit naturally alongside great food and conversation. Navigator brings that original vision to life.”
The whisky delivers the rich, oily texture Sullivans Cove is known for, layered with bright citrus, creamy vanilla, buttery shortbread and gentle spice, finishing with hints of tropical fruit and soft coastal salinity. Bright lemon and orange lead into layers of vanilla cream, buttery shortbread and walnut, while the palate carries Sullivans Cove’s signature oily texture and subtle maritime salinity. The finish is long, rich and gently spiced with notes of tropical fruit and nougat. Its perfectly suited to seafood pairings, including oysters, sashimi, lobster and scallops.
With only 1,372 bottles available worldwide, Navigator is a strictly limited edition release and is available now via sullivanscove.com
