Taste of Tasmania at Waubs Harbour Whisky

"It's believed to be the closest, if not one of the closest, distilleries to the ocean!" says co-founder Bec Polmear. This proximity to the sea is no accident. The founders of Tasmania's newest whisky distillery, Waubs Harbour Whisky, envisioned a whisky that truly embodied the spirit of Tasmania's coast, and being perched as close to the ocean as possible was an essential part of that dream.

Background

Waubs Harbour Whisky

The distillery's journey began around a campfire, a classic tale of whisky-fueled ambition. "Tim (Polmear) challenged (his brother) Rob with a simple yet profound question: If you could craft whisky your way, in the perfect place, what would it look like?" recalls Bec. The answer was clear: a Tasmanian liquid born of the sea. With Rob's distilling mastery and the Polmear family's entrepreneurial spirit, the vision began to take shape.

Tasmania's pristine environment was the obvious choice. Its pure air, crystal-clear water, and rich, oily barley are a distiller's dream, explains Polmear. The cool, consistent climate of Bicheno, the distillery's home, also offer ideal conditions for slow, deliberate maturation.

Bottling the Ocean

"We're not just making whisky here; we're bottling the ocean," says Polmear. With casks aging mere meters from the waves, Waubs Harbour whisky carries a salty kiss that distinguishes it from its inland counterparts.

"We set out to make a rich and viscous whisky that was truly our own," she states. To achieve this, the distillery has a hands-on approach. From custom-built equipment to experimenting with fresh yeast strains and locally sourced peat, every step of the process is meticulously considered. Head Distiller Rob Polmear, with his Master's in Marine Antarctic Science, brings a unique perspective to the process. "He has a keen interest in culturing fresh yeast. We even built a laboratory in the middle of our distillery where he experiments," Polmear reveals.

Waubs Harbour Waubs Original single malt whisky

The current award-winning lineup includes Waubs Original, a single malt aged in American oak bourbon cask layered with tawny port 43% ABV and Port Storm, 48% ABV. The Founder's Reserve (390 bottles), their highest quality release cask strength, 62% ABV is sold out.

Sustainability is another core value for the distillery. "Creating a sustainable distillery was very important to us." From harnessing the ocean's cold water for cooling to recycling spent grain for livestock feed, the distillery is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. 

"We're big supporters of the Great Southern Reef Foundation," Polmear adds, highlighting their dedication to protecting the marine ecosystem that inspires their work.

Open to the Public

Tour of the distillery at Waubs Harbour photo by Ideas Banq

For visitors, Waubs Harbour offers more than just a distillery tour. "Guests on our distillery tours get a truly immersive experience," says Polmear. From witnessing the distillation process to exploring the bond stores and indulging in a tasting of the finished product, every step of the process is revealed.

With its stunning coastal location, exceptional whisky, and dedication to sustainability, Waubs Harbour Distillery is a true gem of Tasmania. As the distillery continues to grow, it is undoubtedly set to make a significant mark on the global whisky stage.

As Polmear puts it, "We feel fortunate to share just a small piece of this incredible place we get to call home." And with every sip of their whisky, you can taste the essence of that home—wild, rugged, and undeniably captivating, (with a little sea spray mixed in).