Company:
Old Hobart Distillery
Job:
Director
Website:
oldhobartdistillery.com
How long have you been working in the
whisky industry?
Around eight years, although I’ve
been experimenting for over 20 years.
What has been your biggest career
highlight to date?
The biggest career highlight was to
be awarded Australia’s Best Whisky at the World of Whisky Awards 2012/13, and
to achieve a Liquid Gold Award ‘95 points’ with Jim Murray in the same year.
Can you remember your first dram, and
indeed what it was?
I'm afraid not. It was probably something
pretty rough in the 70’s and it probably got something started in my mind
thinking ‘I can do better than this’.
What does whisky mean to you?
It means a great deal in the social
part of life, it is a great source of enjoyment if taken in moderation, on the
other hand it can be wasted through over indulgence.
Where would you like to see yourself
in five year’s time?
A simple answer, retired and an
ambassador for Tasmanian whisky and Overeem Single Malt in particular.
What was your last dram?
A 30 Year Old Caol Ila bottled as the
500th bottling by Van Wees in the Netherlands. An exceptional drop!
Do you have a favourite whisky and
food pairing combination?
An Overeem Port Cask Matured with a
medium/rare heavily charred steak.
What’s your favourite time and place
to enjoy a dram?
In winter, after a couple of hours
fishing, by the open fire at the shack.
What do you think is going to be the
next big thing on the whisky horizon?
I think boutique distilleries are
going to play a significant role in quality single malt whiskies and I believe
that Australia and in particular, Tasmania will be a big thing on the world
stage.
What’s the one dram you couldn’t live
without?
Too hard. Next question please.