Bicheno distillery: Polmear family set up Waubs Harbour Whisky
Taking their cue from some of Scotland’s leading distillers, a Tasmanian family is set to launch a new “maritime” whisky on the island’s east coast.
East Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from East Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A shuttered oyster hatchery on Tasmania’s east coast has been revealed as the new home of a family-owned whisky distillery which, taking its cues from premium drops produced on Scotland’s Isle of Islay, will produce “maritime” single-malt whiskies.
Co-founded by local brothers Tim and Rob Polmear, alongside Tim’s wife Bec, Waubs Harbour Whisky, located within a former hatchery at 42 Waubs Esp, Bicheno, will officially launch on Tuesday next week after being an “underground” secret since they purchased the premises in 2018.
“We’ve kept to ourselves – we didn’t start social media until a couple of months ago,” Tim Polmear said.
Mr Polmear said Waubs Harbour – Bicheno’s original name – Whisky “tells the tale of their old fishing town and not only embraces but welcomes the harsh elements of the ocean”, as well as harnessing it for their unique cooling system.
“To us, it had been proven that a maritime environment produces beautiful whisky that’s full of character but it was something not yet fully embraced in Tasmania,” he said, nominating distilleries on Scotland’s Isle of Islay, such as Bruichladdich, as setting the gold standard.
Their 700–800 casks currently maturing at Bicheno within five “salt-laden bond stores” would produce “maritime” single-malt whisky which would have a “rich and oily” mouth-feel, Mr Polmear said.
“Salty air has a big impact on barrels and you have a stable temperature field on the coast – you never get a frost or high temperatures,” he said.
“Having a stable climate is big part of our philosophy when it comes to maturation.”
The trio eventually plan to be a “big part of Australian whisky scene”.
Tim’s brother Rob Polmear will be the head distiller after stints honing his trade at Tasmanian favourites Overeem Whisky and Lark Distillery.
“With years in the industry, I immediately knew how I wanted to make the spirit and we’ve been fortunate to be able to design and custom-make equipment which is now bringing that whisky to life,” Rob Polmear said.
While Waubs Harbour Whisky’s official first release won’t be available until early 2023, the distillery is set to officially launch and release their Preview Series, a limited series of small cask single-malt on Tuesday, February 15 at 7pm via their website.
Tours and tasting will be via appointment only between next week’s launch and the official first release.
Family’s 10-year search for justice for Eden
It is 10 years on Tuesday since the tragic passing of St Helens teen Eden Westbrook. Her family are still fighting on to ensure she gets justice, marking the anniversary with a vigil and call to action.
Tassie town named one of Australia’s most welcoming places
A cohesive community and ‘a world-class patisserie that’s bumped up everyone’s cholesterol level’ are some of the reasons why a Tassie town has been named one of the most welcoming places in Australia.