Sailing Through Waubs Harbour's Maritime Symphony: Exploring the limited Stout Cask expression.

Situated amidst the picturesque shores of Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast, Waubs Harbour Distillery has firmly established itself as a shining gem in Australia's ever-evolving whisky landscape. This coastal haven, with its maritime essence deeply rooted in the Tasman Sea's embrace, offers more than just a marketing gimmick; it presents a genuine and tangible connection to the ocean—a facet that sets it apart from the rest.

Founded by the illustrious Polmear family, whose whisky mastery resonates with Tasmania's rich distilling heritage, Waubs Harbour Distillery breathes fresh life into the age-old craft. Their innovative approach, incorporating techniques like seawater cooling and locally cultivated yeast strains, results in small-batch releases that exude a distinctive coastal character—a testament to their commitment to quality and creativity.

Flagship Series: A Symphony of Coastal Flavors

At the heart of Waubs Harbour's offerings lies the Flagship Series, a collection that epitomizes their dedication to crafting exceptional whiskies with a unique flair. Among their core expressions are the Original, a harmonious blend of American Oak ex-bourbon and French Oak port casks, boasting a delightful toffee-vanilla aroma and a creamy palate with a subtle spice undertone.

The Port Storm, with its fusion of tawny French Oak and American Oak influences, delivers a symphony of oak nuances, marzipan, and nutmeg, culminating in a balanced and satisfying finish.

However, it is the Founder's Reserve, with its robust 62% ABV, that steals the spotlight in our book, offering an enticing medley of boozy fruit, dark chocolate notes from its Port Cask maturation, and a sheer endlessly lingering molasses tinged, buttery finish—a true connoisseur's delight.

Limited Releases: Gems of Indulgence

The allure of Waubs Harbour's whisky extends beyond its core range, as evidenced by their highly sought-after limited releases.

One such gem is the Stout Cask, a whisky that sold out within moments of its release, showcasing the distillery's prowess and the fervour of whisky enthusiasts. Matured in ex-Tawny French Oak casks and finished in American Oak ex-Stout casks from the local Bicheno Beer Co., this whisky epitomizes indulgence with its rich, chocolatey profile and a robust 58% ABV.

The interplay between the tawny cask's sweet sultanas and buttery notes and the stout's bitter complexity creates a harmonious balance reminiscent of indulgent cocoa heavy dark chocolate—a sensory journey that captivates the palate and leaves one lusting for another dram.

The collaboration between Waubs Harbour Distillery and Bicheno Beer Co. for the Stout Cask release signifies another chapter in their partnership based on Bicheno Beer Co.'s Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, matured in Waubs Harbour casks, having garnered acclaim with a Gold medal at the 2023 Independent Beer Awards in Brisbane—an accolade that speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship upheld by both establishments.

As one savours the reverberating finish of the Stout Cask expression, which adds yet another nuance to the narrative of Waubs Harbour's whiskies in terms of dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the coastal splendour of Tasmania, we cannot wait for their next limited release.

---

Words by AW.

Photo courtesy of Waubs Harbour.