The Whisky List signs first local distribution deal

Hobart Whisky will be distributed on Australia's mainland by The Whisky List as the online whisky retailer signs its first domestic distribution agreement.

The Whisky List’s co-founder Oliver Maruda says his business has been seeking out local partnership to expand TWL’s distribution services with craft Australian distilleries.

“Tasmania has a global reputation for its high quality single malt whiskies. We’re stoked to have partnered with one of the most innovative and progressive distilleries in Tasmania. John Jarvis and the Hobart team are making some of the tastiest craft Aussie whiskies around.

“Hobart Whisky have consistently proved their prowess in creating an award-winning range of Tasmanian single malt whiskies and liqueurs. Here at TWL, we pride ourselves on maintaining a unique and premium range of products for our specialised independent whisky retailers, bars and restaurants, who will be given the first pick of these new products," he said.

The Whisky List will manage sales, marketing and distribution for the awarding winning distillery Hobart Whisky has two core range expressions available for wholesale, including the Hobart Signature and Hobart Solera PX bottled at 56.2% ABV.

Last week The Whisky List hosted its first Top Shelf Tasmanian Whisky Tasting where guests were treated to samples of premium bottles upwards of $500 each: specialties from Sullivan's Cove's Refill American Oak, Overeem 12 Year Old Bourbon Cask , Lark Parra 1992, Killara KD33 Dark Mofo 2022, Hellyers Road 2003 18 Year Old and Heartwood's Fed by the fuels of malcontent and disillusionment.

Many of the those at the tasting already had the top shelf bottles in their reserves and joined the tasting for the chance to sample the wares before opening their special bottles, Mr Maruda told Drinks Trade.

When asked what it is that makes Tasmanian whisky so special, Emma Cookson and The Whisky Listers responded: cool climate, pristine waters, thirty years of experience under their belts, incredible agriculture and great access to casks.

Mr Maruda weighed in, "Tasmanian whisky would not have taken off without its cool climate. They make incredible whisky and have been doing it for longer than anyone in Australia thanks to Bill Lark and his family and Casey Overeem who founded Overeem in 2007.

"But I think that the case in Tassie is that, as the saying goes, the rising tide lifts all boats. It's a small island and everyone knows each other and speaks to each other. There is a great deal of knowledge sharing, especially with very few coopers on the island. Distillers have to cross paths as they exchange barrels without venturing to the mainland."

He explained that the Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Association has big aspirations and "appellation dreams" along with a commitment to quality, sustainability of the industry and is a place for "concentrated knowledge sharing".

There's no sign that the flow of these streams of Tasmanian gold will come to an end. It is an industry with great momentum and reputation. Kristy Booth-Lark with her label Killara and Jane Overeem who is once again distilling under her family's name are, along with Hobart Whisky by John Jarvis, Mr Maruda reckons, are three of Tasmania's best whisky distilleries.

"They are definitely those with the best training following a lifetime working in their family's distilleries. They are two of the best distillers in Australia today," says Mr Maruda.

Their whiskies - Killara KD33 Dark Mofo 2022 and Overeem 12 year old Bourbon Cask - along with Sullivan's Cove's Refill American Oak and the darkly poetic Heartwood's Fed by the fuels of malcontent and disillusionment - "a brontosaurus whisky with its big middle and long finish" - were the favourite whiskies of the evening.

Meanwhile, Brett Steel's Spirit Thief also based in Tasmania is gearing up for its next phase. Founded in 2015, Mr Steel has plans to open a new cellar door and bond in 2023. This year they will produce 20K litres of their delicious whisky matured in carefully selected wine barrels. Next year, they will produce five times the amount at their new premises sitting at the entrance to the Cole River Valley.

Mr Steel grew up in McLaren Vale and his father worked at Hardys making those big, heavy reds. For him, those big red wine barrels are an opportunity to experiment with flavour and to innovate. And, of course, there are plenty of those casks around.

Drinks Trade sampled three of Spirit Thief's single malt whiskies: American Oak Shiraz, French Oak Grenache, American Oak & Bourbon. The American Oak Shiraz is the most approachable while the French Oak Grenache has a bit of a spice to it and American Oak & Bourbon was rum and raisin. We liked them all but tended to the American Oak Shiraz for its butterscotch drip.

The bottles sell for $195 for 500ml, ABV for all three expressions is 48.3 per cent and Spirit Thief Whiskies are distributed through Swift and Moore.

AVailablle now from The Whisky List:

• Hobart Signature bottled at 47.3% ABV, RRP $155
• Hobart Solera PX bottled at 56.2% ABV, RRP $165