Overeem Cask Strength Port Cask Matured

Review by: TOModera

Wow,  it’s been quite awhile since I reviewed a world whisky. Guess I was caught up in the fun of finishing my lone Bourbon and Scotch samples.

Well, don’t worry, because I have a special dram all the way from the perceived most dangerous place on Earth, Australia. Thanks UncleTobys for the dram! I’m surprised you were able to pour it between fighting off venomous creatures with a chainsaw.

Anyway, enough taking the piss out of our Aussie brothers, what’s the dram TOModera? Why it’s Overeem Single Malt Whisky Port Cask Cask Strength, the same one at the top and in the picture that won’t surprise you at all!

This is Old Hobart’s flagship whisky, aged in 100 litre French oak, ex-port quarter casks. Old Hobart is a boutique distillery located in Tasmania. It’s owned by Casey Overeem, thus the name of the whisky. Casey himself had the idea from Norway, where he stated that everyone was distilling in their Basements.

Another reason for me to want to move to Norway, I guess. Let’s see how the Norse influenced, well researched, and relatively young dram does

Distillery: Old Hobart Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Australia.

ABV: 60%.

Age: Unknown.

Cask type: Ex-Port French Oak Quarter Casks.

Price: N/A in Canada.

Color: Burgundy.

Nose: Caramel, raisins, oak, lilacs, bubblegum, wheat, honey, mangosteen, fruit cake

A lot of the different points on the nose mix together, creating different intricate flavours. The main notes are fruit, brown sugar, floral, and wood.

Also I found out after reviewing this, a day later, that I’m currently sick. While normally I wouldn’t post a review I accidentally did while my senses were impaired, this dram was just too good not to share.

Taste: Anise, passion fruit, guava, wood, Marsala wine, grape, floral, raspberry flan

Starts off very spicy, then more fruit.

One downside: I am not a fan of Marsala wine. For me it tastes like being flicked in the throat by a guy who looks sticky. Just not fun.

Beyond that off note, it keeps changing the level of tartness and sweetness. Kinda like a bipolar candystriper named Bruce.

Finish: Caramel, sea salt, varnish, orange, smoke, cardamon, starfruit, lemongrass, wood, ginger

Wow, like eating really nice salty caramels and an entire box of chocolates.

Hmm… I’m starting to understand why I’m overweight.

The varnish and wood seem to stick out however. It’s not that they aren’t welcome, it’s just that they aren’t welcome for as long as they stayed. Which is too damn long.

Conclusion: For a fast matured quarter cask whisky, this is impressive. The French oak adds different spices, there are floral elements, and the finish is almost perfect. The nose is amazing. It falls short of being the best, yet lands among one of the best whiskies I’ve ever had. Buy this if you have a chance.

Final Score: 90.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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