The Lark Distillery Tasmanian Peated Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)

A new Lark made using their own Central Highlands Lake district peat bog. The distillery employs an innovative post-malt smoking process resulting in a different flavour profile than traditionally peated whisky. In fact, the Scotch Whisky Industry have shown particular interest in their proprietary method. The peat is influenced by the decaying forest matter of the Tasmanian vegetation surrounding the bog. This is not comparable with anything you might consider peaty from Scotland. In fact, most will find the smoke indiscernible. Arguably, it has contributed a light oiliness and some bush character to the sweetness of the malt, specifically a sense of native flora in nuances of roasted wattle seed, wild aniseed and pepper berry. It's all extremely subtle. Put peat to one side, and this is a completely satisfactory whisky boasting balance and impressive purity. 46% Alc/Vol.

Other reviews... Lark’s way of smoking its malt has always been a bit different, taking already malted barley and smoking it over Tasmnian highland peat rather than using imported smoked grain. The result is Lark Tasmanian Peated, the first 100% Australian smoked whisky ever made. Incredibly well integrated on the nose, like gently smoked honey, there’s none of the aggressive iodine and campfire you get from smoky Scotch. Lanolin, plum pudding and pipe tobacco combine to form the memory of Grandpa’s jumper. Quite sweet on the palate as the fortified wine casks make their presence known, and with a soft texture that could use just a little more weight. The finish offers gentle, earthy smoke and minerality that speaks to the Tasmanian highlands that inspired this whisky. Where the Classic Cask is almost too subtle, this is nuanced in all the right ways. An incredibly enjoyable whisky and a true Aussie classic. 96 points - Fred Siggins, winecompanion.com.au