Description

Lark Christmas Cask 2023 Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky (500ml)

Volume: 500ml           ABV: 44.6%           Age: No Age Statement           Country: Australia

The Lark story is not so much about the distillery but the man behind he distillery and for that matter behind the seed of Australian Whisky distilling as we know it today.

Bill Lark realised that that everything you need for a world-class whisky was in Tasmania – rich fields of barley, an abundance of wonderfully pure soft water, highland peat bogs, and the perfect climate to bring all the ingredients together in a marriage of science, art and passion. The vision of producing Tasmanian malt whisky was born on a trout fishing trip in the highlands of Tasmania. Bill’s father in-law Max produced a wonderful bottle of single malt, and as they enjoyed a drink in the park at Bothwell, surrounded by Georgian buildings, barley fields and the gentle flowing of the Clyde River, Bill remarked to Max, “I wonder why there isn’t anyone making malt whisky in Tasmania”.

At the prestigious Australian Whisky Awards The Lark Christmas Cask 2021 was awarded the nations ‘whisky of the year’ in 2021. At the time of drinking it we were talking about the incredible notes of ‘essences from the jus of pastry artisan Jean Pascal’s fruit mince pies’. ‘Notes of comforting gingerbread, traditional Christmas spices and fruits, with vanilla custard atop a scrumptious plum pudding. It was a memorable dram indeed and one which we all hoped would be replicated by the distillery.

It’s now 2023 and Lark’s Head Distiller has carefully selected Tasmanian red wine casks filled with the jus used by local artisan patisserie Jean Pascal for making their renowned Christmas fruit mince pies. These fresh, festive casks are then emptied and transported to Lark Distilling Co. where they are filled with seasonal spirit. The result is Christmas in a glass: nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla custard on the nose give way to gingerbread, citrus peel and liquid plum pudding with lashings of yuletide cheer.

The Christmas Cask exudes a festive aroma of caramelised orange, nutmeg, and dried fruits. Its rich palate delights with rich toffee, marzipan, and fresh gingerbread, culminating in a heartwarming and buttery finish. This year’s release has had a double finish, imparting twice the fruit mince pie flavours into the release as previously tasted.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: The rich aroma of zesty orange and caramelised brown sugar dances on the nose with freshly ground nutmeg and dried dark fruits, there’s a soft aroma of lemon meringue pie and lazy cinnamon notes.

Palate: The rich notes of creamy toffee and sweet marzipan grace the palate whilst a joyful array of baked apple and gingerbread take over. Lip-smackingly good with nutmeg, cinnamon and creamy vanilla custard.

Finish: Long and warming but with creamy butterscotch and soft festive spices.