The House of Lark has released a limited-edition single malt whisky, Dark Lark 2024, which is described as the smoothest single malt from Lark, which embraces Tasmania’s terroir, as well as the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest light show, Aurora Australis.
The whisky has been crafted, by Head Distiller Chirs Thomson to be served with friends and can be drunk neat, on the rocks or in an after dark cocktail.
To understand how it can work in cocktails, two-time winner of the Australian Liquor Industry Awards Bartender of the Year, and now Dark Lark Ambassador, Millie Tang has created a series of cocktails – you can see the recipes below.
Millie said: “I’ve always been an admirer of Lark for the uncompromising penchant for the unexpected and rebellious, and Dark Lark is a whisky done differently, to be enjoyed differently.
“The cocktails made for this year’s release are designed to get the whisky off the shelf and into the glass; to be enjoyed during specific moments after dark, whether at the bar or at home.
“Whisky belongs in cocktails, it belongs on ice, it belongs on the dancefloor, in hand as a ‘cheers’ between friends before, during and after dinner. Whisky is what you make it, as is the night.”
Tasting notes for the whisky describe a nose with “aromas of mocha and sultanas [that] develop with light oak spice and a hit of cherry”. The palate is “white peach surrounded by crème brulee and rich blackcurrant crumble with ice cream”, while the finish is “buttery milk chocolate with honeycomb and caramelised pineapple”.
Dark Lark has been matured in significantly more Sherry, Port and white oak casks and is then finished in Tokay and Muscat casks.
Speaking about the whisky, Chris said: “After dark, extraordinary awaits, with an unexpectedly smooth single malt that oozes character and embraces the wild and unique terroir that we live, breathe and make whisky upon.
“Dark Lark is a striking symbol of that unapologetic Tassie uniqueness, and it commands the room from 9pm to midnight on your own terms.
Dark Lark Single Malt Whisky is available through Lark until sold out and comes in a 500ml bottle with a luxury gift box, it is 43 per cent ABV with a $250 RRP.
Dark Lark cocktail recipes created by Millie Tang:
Meet & Greet
Ingredients:
- 40ml DARK LARK Single Malt Whisky
Directions:
- Fill glass with ice
- Top with pear soda
- Squeeze of lemon
- Pear fan garnish
Night Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 60ml DARK LARK Single Malt Whisky
- 10ml Maple coffee*
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
Directions:
- *Add 30ml espresso to 100ml warmed Maple syrup, stir until combined
- Garnish flamed citrus peel or a coffee bean
Amber Glow
Ingredients:
- 30ml DARK LARK Single Malt Whisky
- 60ml Pear and honey cordial*
- 10ml Lemon juice
Directions:
- 250ml Pear juice, 100ml Honey, 1 TSPN Citric acid. Warm all ingredients in saucepan on stovetop and stir to incorporate, avoid simmer or boiling. Remove from heat and stand until cool.
- Top up with Champagne
- Cherry garnish
