Waterford Single Farm Festival

Overview

Whisky and oysters and Mapo, oh my. On Sunday, November 26, The Rocks will be the setting for the launch of Waterford Whisky: Waterford Single Farm Festival, hosted by whisky haunt The Doss House.

Entry to the festival is free, and you can expect pop-ups from plenty of local producers, including freshly shucked oysters from East 33, baked goodies from organic bakery Infinity Bakery, specially-made whisky and cocoa gelato from Newtown favourite Mapo, as well as toasties and snacks courtesy of The Doss House.

Also on the agenda for the day are Waterford Whisky Cocktails, whisky-tasting flights and traditional and contemporary Irish music performed live.

Waterford Irish Single Malt Whisky is making waves and breaking traditions in the spirits world. Not only does it drop the traditional 'e' found in Irish whiskey, but it is also the first on the island to bring in traceability to showcase its dram's terroir (or téireoire as it calls it, a combination of the Irish for Ireland, Éire, and terroir) and produce the world's first biodynamic whisky.

It is the brainchild of Mark Reynier, former head of Bruichladdich and Renegade Spirits, who will be attending the launch festival and hosting an intimate masterclass tasting of the never-before-seen range, which includes the aforementioned biodynamic whisky, a certified organic whisky, a single farm origin tipple, and a super smoky peated number. Tickets to the whisky masterclass will set you back $70.14, plus the booking fee, places are extremely limited, so be sure to book your spot on the website.

The Doss House isn't the only place you will be able to find Reynier this summer. He's hosting Waterford Whisky tastings across the eastern coast. Starting at The Gresham, Brisbane, on November 23; then The Oak Barrel, Sydney, on November 27; then on to 18th Amendment, Melbourne, on November 28; before finishing up at The Elysian, Melbourne, on November 29.

The Doss House has a very close connection to Waterford Distillery; owner Ciara Doran's family farm back in Ireland is one of the hundred Irish growers supplying barley to Waterford. The single-origin whisky made from these grains is yet to be released, but it is a full-circle moment for Doran and her family as her venue was chosen as the site for the official launch of the whisky in Australia.

Images: Alana Dimou