The team at Lark has brought together the two esteemed whisky cultures of Tasmania and Japan in the latest release from its Rare Cask Series, which sees Lark’s award-winning single malt finished in rare Japanese Mizunara casks.
The combination of 200-year-old rare and precious Mizunara oak with Lark’s single malt whisky draws out enticing aromas sandalwood, peaches, cream and “a whisper of coconut”.
Commenting on this rare cask release, Lark Master Blender Chis Thomson said: “Lark’s Mizunara Rare Cask Series is a celebration of excellence and craftsmanship; it represents the timeless nature of the whisky making process across two cultures.
“Japan’s Mizunara trees must reach an age of 200 years before they can be harvested for cask barrels, and LARK’s exceptional single malt has been aged for five to seven years at our Cambridge distillery in Tasmania.
“This collective passage of time yields exceptional results and represents the enduring elegance and unparalleled quality that Lark is globally renowned for.”
The tasting notes for the whisky describe “aromas of sandalwood, bread and butter pudding with vanilla custard and fragrant honey”, plus a palate of “fresh peaches and cream complemented by crisp white grape and a whisper of coconut”, and “a long finish of warm chai spices, silky panna cotta, candied apple and a touch of nectarine”.
Lark Brand Ambassador and Executive Chef, Peter Gilmore has travelled extensively to Japan over the last 20 years and has as deep respect for Japanese culture.
Gilmore has created a dish of slow cooked pork jowl with cauliflower cream, prunes and roasted pecans to match with the Lark Mizunara Rare Cask Series.
Speaking about the dish Gilmore said: “When creating this dish, I was inspired by the elegance and richness of this whisky; LARK’s Mizunara Rare Cask Release. It is incredibly special.
“The Mizunara oak finish, and the hint of honey on the palate play off beautifully in this dish with roasted pecans and the sweetness of the prunes.
“I’ve created this dish with the intention of it being an intricate marriage between the whisky and the elements on the plate.”
The Lark Mizunara Rare Cask Series carries a $1000 RRP, with a limited-edition of 350 bottles available. And as a special treat to Lark fans, Bill Lark will personally sign a select number of Lark Single Malt whiskies, which will include five bottles of the 2024 Mizunara Rare Cask Series. Head to the Lark website to find out more.