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Tasmania‘s finest whisky is on display for the world to see. Hobart-based Lark Distilling Co. has captured the nomination for one of the industry’s most illustrious awards – The International Whiskey and Spirits Competition Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year.
Competing against a narrow list of 20 international nominees, Lark Distillery is now listed amongst the final four. Set to go head to head for the final prize on 18 November 2020 in London, Australian whisky will be taste-tested by an expert judging panel assembled from over 30 countries. Hosted by the International Whiskey and Spirits Competition (IWSC), each judge carefully blind-taste hundreds of spirits individually, dissecting each note and flavour, before thoroughly discussing their findings across the panel.
Posting to social media to celebrate the man behind the whisky, Bill Lark has been crafting some of the finest whiskeys for the last 28-years. Marking a massive accomplishment for Bill and “every single hard-working person who has had a hand in Lark to date” from the founders, the makers, the employees and the supporters, this nomination is an exciting moment for the veteran distiller.
Taking home two gold medals for the unreleased Lark Muscat Cask Single Malt and Sherry Matured Single Cask. Lark achieved their highest score ever with the Muscat at 96 points. Silver was awarded to Lark Cask Strength 58% Single Malt Whisky (93 points), Lark Classic Cask 43% Single Malt Whisky (92 points), as well as Lark’s most recent blended malt whisky Symphony No.1 (90 points).
If you’re more of a gin guy then check out their Forty Spotted Citrus Gin, also awarded a silver medal with a score of 89 points.
Describing the nomination as “an amazing and humbling honour” Lark Distilling Co. is now among the top four whisky distilleries in the world for this year. Dreaming of one day making “a world-class whisky here in Tasmania,” Bill said, “to win this award would be a salute to the world wide families of distilleries who have inspired us and helped us from day one, and it is also well-deserved recognition of the passion and dedication to our dream by the wonderful team at Lark Distillery over the last 28 years.”
Managing director Geoff Bainbridge described the incredible achievement as a “little distillery at the bottom of the world” stepping onto the global stage. Bringing “home two golds, five silvers and the coveted nomination for Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year, Geoff is “immensely proud of the quality of the product we produce here in Tasmania and are honoured to be recognised by the global industry and the International Whiskey and Spirits Competition in 2020.”
To learn more, visit Lark Distilling Co. For more information about the International Whiskey and Spirits Competition Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year Award, visit their website for all the details around the Livestream from London on 18 November 2020.
Lark Muscat Cask Single Malt
This unreleased gem was described as having an “appealing spice on the nose—a subtle hint of sugary tea followed by a hearty shot of coffee on the palate. A big swell of syrupy peach and apricot sets off a mouthwatering tsunami and a gratifyingly spicy finish. “
Award: Gold
Points: 96
Price: Unreleased
Sherry Matured Single Cask
The IWSC Tasting Note is one of “deliciously extravagant aromas of hot creme brûlée entice you into myriad delectable sherried fruits, rich caramel and toffee.” Before throwing in “big wallops of cherry jam” to draw you “willingly into the powerful depths of this liquid Black Forest gateaux. Divine.”
Award: Gold
Points: 95
Price:$239
Lark Cask Strength 58% Single Malt Whisky
With “cocoa beans, dried fruits, vanilla and a hint of blackberry jam recline serenely on the palate,” the IWSC Tasting Notes include “a subtle puff of smoke” that “sets off a balanced and very pleasant finish.”
Award: Silver
Points: 93
Price: $199
Lark Classic Cask 43% Single Malt Whisky
Given a richer character by the “brown sugar and cinnamon on the nose.” The IWSC Tasting Notes reveal “stewed apples, dried fruits and brandy snaps glazed with toffee bring a roar of decadent joy to the palate.”
Award: Silver
Points: 92
Price: $179
SYMPHONY No.1
This “rounded” single malt whisky delivers “big hits of vanilla and black cherry.” Complimented by “balanced wood and spice” that provide “a sturdy backbone” held up to “a rich, creamy finish.”
Award: Silver
Points: 90
Price: $139
Forty Spotted Citrus Gin
The IWSC was simple and to the point with this description, finding “citrus orange and lemon aromas,” describing it as “subtle but flavoursome and balanced with excellent notes of spice.”
Award: Bronze
Points: 89
Price: $75
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