Waubs Harbour Maritime Sherry Limited Edition Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)

Waubs' latest release sees French oak ex-Apera sherry casks balanced by x-Bourbon matured stocks. Drawing on some of the first casks the distillery filled, and landing in at just over six years old, the distiller's say it's no sherry bomb, nor is it intended as a whisky of extremes, being slightly lighter, though better integrated and more easily approached than many previous releases. Upfront sherry and spicy fruit cake flavours develop into poached orchard fruits, ending with a tangy, coastal vibe that leaves the impression of distant peat. Waubs' salted caramel keynote is also evident, particularly through the long finish. In terms of maritime style, we're heading towards the coastal Highlands - Pulteney and Orkney come to mind, but even Campbeltown would be a reference point. Indeed, no other distillery in the Southern hemisphere succeeds in capturing a Scottish coastal character as convincingly as this. Already sold out at the distillery, 618 bottles at 52% Alc./Vol. make up the limited edition. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 25ml sample.

Notes from the producers... Nose: Red apple, apricot, almond husk, pear with a slight sea spray and woody character. Palate: Apricot, apple and pear in syrup, buttery and biscuit notes, salted caramel with an undertone of golden syrup, balanced by citrus and a lovely oak spice. Finish: A bitter sweet balance between fruited syrup and kitchen spices.