In the ever-evolving world of whisky, true innovation lies not only in the barrel but in the very foundation of the spirit itself - the yeast. Waubs Harbour has embarked on a journey rarely seen in distillation, cultivating its own yeast strain to unlock a new dimension of flavor. The result is the Limited Release Yeast Cask, a whisky that speaks to both the artistry and the scientific precision of its makers.
Not unlike an alchemist bending the elements to his will, Head Distiller Rob has transformed traditional whisky-making by pioneering in-house yeast cultivation. Much like how an artisan baker nurtures a sourdough starter over years to develop deep, complex flavors, Rob has meticulously developed a fresh yeast strain in the Waubs Harbour lab. The outcome? A new-make spirit imbued with decadent chocolate orange notes, setting the stage for an entirely novel whisky experience.
Maturation - The Dance Between Wood and Spirit
The Yeast Cask whisky is more than just a scientific breakthrough; it is a symphony of flavor that continues its evolution within the embrace of ex-Tawny Port French Oak casks. The rich, fortified wine previously held in these barrels has left its imprint, imparting luscious maple syrup sweetness and buttery sultana undertones. This interplay between yeast-driven chocolate orange notes and the cask's opulent influence is reminiscent of an aged dessert wine paired with artisanal dark chocolate - indulgent, layered, and endlessly intriguing.
Bottled at a bold 51.8% ABV and limited to just 647 bottles, this release stands as a testament to the pursuit of excellence. Much like the revered vintners of Burgundy, who treat each grape harvest as a unique expression of terroir, Waubs Harbour has approached whisky-making with the same reverence, allowing yeast and wood to shape the final product organically.
The Yeast Cask expression unfolds like a well-orchestrated symphony, each note revealing layers of craftsmanship and patience.
On the nose, a warm embrace of chocolate orange, cinnamon, and rich fruits rises gently -like the first breath of a patisserie at dawn, where spiced pastries and citrus-laced confections beckon from behind glass displays. The interplay of orange zest and velvety cocoa creates a harmony reminiscent of a fine European dessert, while cinnamon lingers as a whisper of nostalgia, evoking mulled wine shared by a winter’s fire.
The palate deepens the indulgence, an opulent dance of chocolate orange, maple syrup, and buttery sultana spice. Imagine the bittersweet snap of dark chocolate infused with Grand Marnier, melting slowly on the tongue as golden maple drizzles across warm, spiced fruitcake. The Tawny Port cask lends an underlying richness - hints of dried apricots soaked in aged spirit, while buttery sultanas weave through, adding a plush, almost silken mouthfeel.
The finish is a lingering caress of rich melted butter and sultanas, a whisper of time well spent in the cask. Like the final embers of a slow-burning fire, warmth remains long after the last sip, leaving traces of caramelized fruit and the decadent depth of well-aged oak.
One cannot help but feel that each sip of the Yeast Cask whisky tells a story - one of innovation, patience, and a deep respect for both nature and the elements that shape a spirit over time. It is a whisky that does not demand attention but commands it, drawing the drinker into its depths with every evolving note.
Crafting the Future of Whisky
Waubs Harbour has long been known for its coastal maturation process, where the ocean’s briny kiss influences each cask, lending a unique maritime quality to their spirits. With the introduction of cultivated yeast, the distillery now moves beyond environmental influence and into the molecular, redefining what is possible in whisky craftsmanship.
This limited release, which has already sold out, is not just another bottle on the shelf - it is an exploration, an experiment, and ultimately, a masterpiece of both nature and nurture. As the whisky world looks increasingly toward innovation, Waubs Harbour's Yeast Cask stands as a lighthouse guiding the way into uncharted waters.
For those fortunate enough to have secured a bottle, the experience will be one of discovery - a sip into the unknown, where tradition and bold experimentation meet in perfect harmony.
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Words by AW.
PHoto courtesty of Waubs Harbour.