2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd Lark, Cask Ref. LD1297, Single Malt Whisky, Tasmania, Australia (60.1%)

This is quite simply stunning. On very rare occasions, upon pouring a sample, the act of raising to the nose just abruptly halts the passage of time. This gorgeous single cask from Tasmania’s iconic Lark intermingles lashings of dried brown fruits with opulently spicy oak and an extraordinary barley bouillon richness. The overall intensity is extremely high, with my preferred point of balance being after the addition of a drop or two of water. As chewy as the finest childhood toffees, moreishly grippy with tannins and barrelling through with a dry finish that reminds me of the very best well-aged Barleywines. A wondrous pairing for either nutty-gooey desserts or a cheese and charcuterie board, this is savoury modern whisky at its rumbustious best. 

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Aug 2022)