- 93
Waubs Harbour Founder's Reserve Cask Strength Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)
"...there’s not much hint of malt here….but by crikey, it’s delicious." - whiskyandwisdom.com
This is the premium bottling in the current Waubs line up, with bottle #1 auctioned off for $4800. The highest quality ex-tawny port casks as rated by the head distiller are reserved to be bottled at cask strength. It's a whisky where everything happens at once in a flavour bomb of ovaltine, dried fruits and mud cake; If the sheer density of the delivery feels like it's crammed into the whopping mid-palate, the sultry aftertaste works to add a touch of grace and sophistication. Not sure how they do it, but it feels almost as effortless at 62% as does the Original 43% expression. For malt hedonists. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
Awarded a Gold medal at the World Whisky Masters 2023.
Other reviews... Notably darker, the hue is a burnished copper, with perhaps a jarrah blush. 100% full-term maturation in port casks can be fraught with danger; this release avoids the pitfalls and delivers. The oak and fortified influence is dominant, and there’s not much hint of malt here….but by crikey, it’s delicious. It also has enduring appeal – it doesn’t become tiring or overwhelming on the palate. - whiskyandwisdom.com
Notes from the producers... NOSE: Whipped cream and maple syrup over pancakes, dried apricots and rich sultanas. PALATE: Big juicy oily malt. Very warm but expected at 62%. Sticky date pudding like with a hint of choc and waffle cone. FINISH: Hints of ginger and wood transition to coffee grounds and leave you with a long gooey salted caramel finish.