Nestled in the heart of Hobart, Tasmania, lies the Overeem Distillery – a phoenix rising from the ashes (or should we say, the casks) of its own intriguing history.
Founded by Casey Overeem in 1980, the distillery's story is as complex and layered as a fine single malt.
There was a time, nine years after its inception, when Overeem seemingly vanished, its spirit absorbed by the Lark Distillery. But fear not, whisky lovers! The Overeem name, like a stubborn weed pushing through concrete, has reemerged, now firmly back in the hands of the Overeem family – Jane Overeem and her partner Mark Sawford.
This homecoming has ignited a fire in the distillery. With a renewed commitment to Casey's meticulous methods, Overeem is not just replicating the past, it's reimagining it.
And the results are nothing short of intoxicating.
Take one of their core range flagship expressions, the Matured Port Cask. As I raise a dram to my lips, a symphony of aromas explodes on the nose – butterscotch, vanilla, a summer fruit orchestra of strawberries, plums, nectarines, and redcurrants, all waltzing with rum-soaked raisins.
It's a sensory party that sets your taste buds salivating in anticipation.
The first sip is a delightful surprise. The sweet promise of the nose takes a delicious detour, veering towards a deeper, richer fruitiness. Hints of salted caramel, dark chocolate, and a gentle maltiness interweave with the fruit, creating a tapestry of flavor.
This isn't just a fleeting encounter; the finish is an extended, complex affair. Oaky tannins tango with sweet dark fruits,chocolate, and a touch of vanilla, leaving you yearning for more. The cask strength version, I imagine, must be a revelation – a perfect balance between the spirit itself and the character imparted by the port cask.
Overeem Bourbon Cask Strength: A Walkabout Through a Flaming Pineapple Forest with a Refreshing Surprise
The first whiff of this little number is like cracking open a weathered treasure chest – a delightful mix of creamy richness and the subtle whispers of citrus, vanilla, and a touch of coconut. It's sophisticated yet intriguing, like a seasoned explorer's map hinting at hidden tropical islands.
The first sip throws you into a vibrant jungle, where charred pineapple chunks mingle with caramelized apples and dancing bananas.
Soft vanilla and citrus notes weave through the tropical chaos, with a hint of malt character grounding the experience like a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
But just when you think you've got this jungle under control, a surprising right hook hits as the finish is a delightful curveball.
Imagine a refreshing burst of fruity pineapple underpinned with creamy coconut. It's like sipping a tropical cocktail while lounging on a sunny beach – creamy and refreshing at the same time, leaving you with a lasting impression that surprises and delights. than the expected fiery burn.
Creamy and lingering, it leaves you both surprised and strangely delighted, like stumbling upon a hidden oasis after a near-death experience with a rogue cassowary (which is totally a thing, look it up).
Summa summarum, clocking it at a solid 60% ABV, the Overeem Bourbon Cask Strength is a knockout punch disguised as a tropical paradise. It's bold, it's unexpected, and it might just leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about Australian whisky. It's for those seeking a truly unique and adventurous dram. Just be sure to pack your metaphorical sunscreen – this one packs a tropical punch with a boozy bite.
Overeem's expressions are always in high demand, and for good reason. If you have a soft spot for Tasmanian whiskies, then their recently released 12-year-old Bourbon Cask single casks are a must-try. These beauties boast sophisticated back-ends and full palate finishes, adding another layer of intrigue to the Overeem legacy.
So, the next time you're seeking a whisky experience that's rich in history, family, and flavour, look no further than Overeem Distillery.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Overeem Distillery.