Media Release – Eden Whisky, 13 February 2026
Fire Horse: A Tasmanian Spirit Marking Lunar New Year, Trade Ambition & Cultural Connection
Tasmanian single malt distillery Eden Whisky has announced the release of Fire Horse, a strictly limited Tasmanian single malt expression created to mark the 2026 Lunar New Year (17 Feb-3 Mar) and the rare convergence of the Horse zodiac with the Fire element.
Presented as Eden Fire Horse, this release reflects Tasmania’s growing presence in international trade and premium export markets, where whisky has become an increasingly recognised expression of quality, provenance and long-term relationships.
It also celebrates an alignment that occurs only once every sixty years, the last Fire Horse year having fallen in 1966.
Hobart-based owner Jason Xu, who is originally from the Fujian Province in China, says that Tasmanian whisky is developing a special place in the hearts of Chinese people. He, and whisky maker Dale Williams, wanted to create something that spoke to this emerging friendship.
“As someone with Chinese heritage, marking Lunar New Year through Fire Horse is meaningful,” Xu says.
“It reflects respect for culture and relationships and highlights Tasmania as a place known for provenance, craftsmanship and premium whisky. Those values matter in trade and in how we connect with the world.
“I am very proud of this whisky and I feel that sharing such a spirit across nations can open conversations in a way that is really meaningful. It is both a beautiful drinking whisky and a wonderful gift for people who have dealings with Chinese people.”
Fire Horse sits within the Eden range as a limited seasonal expression and was selected because the whisky itself showed the structure, warmth and composure suited to this moment. It is a whisky chosen not only for its character, but for what it represents: craftsmanship, patience and connection.
The release also marks the formation of a new partnership between Xu and Dale Williams for the Eden Whisky brand, and speaks to the symbolic relaunch of Eden under Jason’s direction.
“Fire Horse was created at a time when Eden itself is embracing a new momentum. This spirit marks a new chapter for the distillery and the partnership between Jason and myself. Our shared view is that Eden releases should be built from great spirit, made with patience, and released only when it feels right,” Williams explains.
“This release celebrates that alignment. Fire Horse carries Eden’s structure and balance, with great depth and presence, reflecting where we are now and where we are heading, and with a nod to Jason’s Chinese heritage. It is a whisky made to mark a moment, to be shared deliberately, and to recognise the confidence and trust behind this next phase of Eden.”
In marking Lunar New Year, Fire Horse also reflects the importance of cultural understanding and long-standing relationships in trade, hospitality and premium food and drink.
Tasmanian whisky continues to build recognition both locally and internationally, and Fire Horse stands as a quiet symbol of those connections.
“Fire Horse is a whisky for the moment,” Williams says.
“This particular combination of the Fire Horse occurs only once every sixty years, making it a rare and highly symbolic point in time.”
Tasting Notes
A Tasmanian Single Malt Shiraz Cask whisky at 50% ABV, Fire Horse pours a deep burnt umber. On the nose, black cherry and dark currant lead, followed by pipe tobacco and clove, settling into a firm peppery base. The palate has weight and clarity. With a few drops of water, dark chocolate, clove, cracked black pepper and stewed black plums come forward as the esters open.
The finish is long and persistent, carrying across the back of the palate, with spicy peppers softening into caramelised citrus and a restrained touch of vanilla.
Produced in strictly limited quantities, Fire Horse will not be repeated. Once sold, it will remain part of Eden’s story as a single chapter rather than an ongoing release.
Fire Horse is intended for marking occasions, sharing deliberately, or setting aside as a record of a moment that returns only once in a lifetime.
Retailing at $398, this tremendous whisky is bottled at 50% ABV and is presented in a commemorative box and bag. Shipping included anywhere in Australia.
