One of our favourite names in Tasmanian whisky, Lark has just introduced its most expensive drop to date. It finishes signature juice in a single cask that once held 1911 Para Vintage Tawny to deliver an epic tasting journey for potential sippers. How expensive is it, Man of Many?! Some readers out there might be asking. The answer is a whopping AUD$5,250 per bottle with only 135 bottles available worldwide. Pretty freaking expensive, in other words, but also worth every cent if Lark’s previous achievements are anything to go by. And what’s it called? Lark Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky finished in 1911 Para Vintage Tawny Cask, naturally.
Lark’s new limited edition release makes up part of its Rare and Remarkable Collection and is nothing if not rare and, well, remarkable. It also represents a collaboration between the distillery and Seppeltsfield Winery, a long-running wine estate in the heart of the Barossa Valley. What began with a blend of whiskies aged respectively in ex-bourbon and sherry casks underwent additional maturation in a single barrel used by Seppeltsfield to house 1911 Para Vintage Tawny for its iconic Centennial Collection (the world’s longest unbroken line of single vintage wines).
The resulting liquid is predictably rich and complex from the get-go, opening with a glorious nose of toffee, oak, floral pear, and chocolate orange accents. On the palate comes a decadent dance full of fruit pastry and chewy caramel, revealing lychee notes and hints of blackcurrant as it progresses into an elegant finish. Lark Distillery founder Bill Lark called the whisky “balanced and refined, taking on the best cask characters, whilst allowing the malt spirit to shine,” adding that its creation signifies a “remarkable marriage of casks.”
Seppeltsfield chief winemaker Fiona Donald went into greater detail regarding the unique cask in which this rare whisky was finished. She explained, “The Seppeltsfield 1911 Para Vintage Tawny Cask has seen 112 Summers and Winters and was originally housed in our historic Centennial Cellar. The cask showcases deep and layered, yet rich and savoury character of creamy toffee.”
The historical vibes are strong on this one and so too is the rich flavour profile. Speaking of rich, Lark Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky finished in 1911 Para Vintage Tawny Cask is currently retailing for AUD$5,250 per bottle here in Australia (with only 135 bottles available worldwide). Get one if you can afford one and do us a favour by actually opening it because it sounds too good to leave sealed on the shelf. Or keep it for investment purposes if you must. You do you is what we’re saying here.
