Waubs Harbour Distillery Unveils Stout Cask Edition Two: An Intensified Tasmanian Masterpiece.

In the realm of whisky, few things are as compelling as a sequel that transcends its predecessor, deepening the narrative without betraying the original’s spirit. Waubs Harbour Distillery’s forthcoming Stout Cask Edition Two, arriving June 11, is precisely that kind of exceptional continuation - a profound evolution of one of Tasmania’s most celebrated limited releases.

The first edition swiftly became a coveted treasure, vanishing from shelves within minutes of its priority release. Edition Two, however, ventures beyond mere popularity, demanding to be savoured as a sophisticated exploration of cask interplay and regional identity. After a privileged tasting of a pre-release sample, it’s clear that this expression articulates a more layered, contemplative voice - one that invites whisky lovers to dwell in complexity.

The Art and Alchemy Behind Edition Two

Nestled on Tasmania’s rugged east coast, Waubs Harbour Distillery has long championed a philosophy of marrying local provenance with bold cask innovation. Their Stout Cask series exemplifies this, harnessing the island’s celebrated craft beer culture and maritime terroir to produce whisky that is at once grounded and adventurous.

While Edition One flirted with stout cask maturation in a lighter, more accessible frame, Edition Two is a deeper dive - the whisky’s maturation journey begins in ex-Tawny Port casks, imparting an intricate sweetness and a refined fruit character before moving to finish in barrels that held Bicheno Beer Co’s award-winning Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. The result is a dram of striking opulence and textural depth, bottled at a robust 59% ABV, commanding attention and respect.

A Symphony of Depth and Contrast

Upon approach, what tickles the nostrils is a complex opening that invites one to inhale slowly, uncovering layers of aromas like a well-thumbed novel. Initially, the air is thick with raisins steeped in tawny port and dried figs, joined by the subtle nuttiness of toasted almonds and pecans. Hints of roasted malt, bittersweet cocoa, and molasses gradually surface, interwoven with delicate maritime brine and a faint whisper of Tasmanian leather and damp forest floor - evoking a coastal walk after rain.

The first sip is a luxurious cascade of flavours, where dark cherries and blackcurrants - drenched in port wine’s mellow sweetness - mingle with the stout’s earthy backbone. Layers of salted toffee and burnt caramel unfold alongside smoked oak and charred barley husks, creating a delicate tension between sweet richness and savory austerity. Mid-palate reveals subtle herbal undertones reminiscent of eucalyptus leaf and cracked black pepper, balanced by a touch of dark chocolate bitterness and the lingering creaminess of vanilla bean custard. The mouthfeel is impeccably rounded, thick yet silky, gliding with an almost velveteen smoothness.

The finish is a study in refinement - long, resonant, and intriguingly complex. Echoes of tawny port’s dried fruit sweetness fade slowly into a wave of smoky malt, espresso bitterness, and a saline kiss reminiscent of ocean spray on rocky shores. There’s a lingering tannic dryness akin to fine leather, mingled with faint traces of charred orange peel and toasted oak spice, inviting reflection and, inevitably, another sip.

A Whisky That Embodies Tasmanian Terroir and Innovation

In its very essence, Waubs Harbour’s Stout Cask Edition Two is not just a whisky; it is a narrative of place and process - a distilled embodiment of Tasmania’s rugged coastline, its celebrated craft brewing scene, and the distillery’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Where Edition One was an invitation, Edition Two is an immersive experience, demanding contemplative attention and rewarding it with nuanced discovery.

It is a dram that balances the indulgent with the austere, the familiar with the enigmatic — a dialogue between sweet and savory, softness and structure, tradition and modernity. Here lies a whisky that is unapologetically Tasmanian in character yet universal in its artistry.

For collectors, connoisseurs, and adventurous whisky lovers alike, Waubs Harbour’s Stout Cask Edition Two represents a rare convergence of boldness and elegance. It honors the success of its predecessor while asserting its own identity with confidence and complexity.

This is a whisky that not only deserves to be tasted but studied - a liquid memoir of Tasmanian craft, landscape, and creativity.

Prepare to immerse yourself on June 11 when this exceptional release hits the shelves.

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Words by AW.

Photo courtesy of Waubs Harbour.