The latest release from Rare Hare, The Tempest, is a Tasmanian single malt whisky, which showcases the region’s unique terroir
Australia has grown into one of the world’s most exciting whiskey destinations. There are distilleries everywhere from Melbourne to Perth with bottles consistently named at the top of world’s best lists. Many of the best Australian whiskeys hail from Tasmania, the southeast island state, which boasts over 70 distilleries, almost twice as many as Tennesse, despite having around one-fourteenth of the population. Noticing the impressive releases coming out of the region, Rare Hare Spirits has put together its latest release The Tempest.
For its fourth release from, Rare Hare partnered with Hellyers Road Distillery–the first single malt producer to come along following the state’s 150-plus year ban (1830 till the 1990s) on whisky production. The distillery employs a centuries-old pot still distillation process that spans three days, followed by a secondary slow still distillation. Part of what makes Tasmanian whiskies unique is the water, which comes from Antarctica. The malt and barley used to create this small batch spirit are locally sourced and benefit from the Tasmanian climate. The whisky aged seventeen years in ex-bourbon casks, and then for an additional three years in port casks.
“It’s not often you get to experience the first run of something this unique and exceptional,” says Alex Moore, Master Blender for Rare Hare Spirits. “Tempest is a celebration of the Tasmanian terroir. It should be on the bucket list of any serious whiskey collector.”
On the nose, the whisky offers aromas of freshly baked biscotti and vanilla nougat alongside elderflower and citrus marmalade. The palate finds layers of ginger, apricots, and citrus, leading to a long and lingering finish.
Rare Hare The Tempest is priced at $999 per bottle and can be purchased via the brand’s official website as well as at purveyors of fine spirits nationwide.
Previous releases from Rare Hare include a Double Barrel Añejo tequila, 17-year-old bourbon named Rare Hare 1953, and a 30-year-old Canadian whiskey dubbed Lucky Bastard.
