Waubs Harbour Original Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)

CATEGORY WINNER AT WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS 2024

Distilled and matured just meters from the ocean and covered in salty air, Waubs Original was matured in ex-Bourbon wood then French oak Port casks. The nose is surprisingly dense and weighty with creamy vanilla and caramel complementing the richness of the malt; a touch of salted cracker biscuit and distant fruitiness takes this beyond your average first-fill Bourbon bouquet, following through in a medium bodied, rounded delivery; the chewy malt feels like it's well represented (which often isn't the case with Aussie whiskies). Mildly fruity, then tangy and slightly oily to finish - not particularly long, but all-round impressive and boasting fabulous depth at just 43%. This could be fifteen years old by Scotch Whisky standards, with echoes of Glenglassaugh or Inchgower. Awarded a Gold medal at the World Whisky Masters 2023. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

Other reviews... As the flagship offering, this does exactly what it should do. It’s clean and tasty with broad appeal. Not overly challenging, it’s slightly dry – or is that the salty tang? - whiskyandwisdom.com

Notes from the producers... NOSE: Delicate sweet spices, there's a salty mineral element that only enhances the toffee. PALATE: Big toffee sweetness but the saltiness cuts through to balance it perfectly. That salty character addition enables the malt and the cask influence to really shine, biscuit, creamed apples, light florals and nectar. Rounded and developing into a nice deep raisin syrup finish. Evolving and complex especially for a 43%. FINISH: Just yum, you get that tawny butter in the back palate and more caramel butterscotch up front, almost like cookie dough.