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Lark Distillery Apple Brandy Finish

Walk in the Bush; Australian Whisky

0 688

@ChooksterReview by @Chookster

26th Feb 2013

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  • Nose
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  • Taste
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  • Finish
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  • Balance
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  • Overall
    88

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Matured initially in a re-charred old port quarter cask (LD264) and finished for about 3 months in an ex-Apple Brandy cask, this whisky was bottled exclusively for The Oak Barrel, with only 119 bottles released.

To smell: Initially quite narrow and shy, reminiscent of a dampened Australian forest floor following a downpour (we’ve had our share of rain lately; the scent of drenched leaves is quite unmistakeable). Wet bark, earth, foliage, dare I say eucalyptus (?!).

Bursts into sweetness of raisins, sultanas, plums and cinnamon. The port cask notes bump playfully up against a dessert-toned apple cider that adds a slightly acidic/bitter twist.

After some solid time in the glass the quietest notes of antiseptic, bandaids and assorted citrus remind me that I am in fact not on a leisurely bush-walk on a mild summer’s day.

To taste: Malty, full & oily, an interplay of sweet spice (ginger and cinnamon), vanilla, and granny smith apple with a feint of oak holding up the whole in the background for a considerably long finish of the most delicious of apple pies. It’s prickly on the tongue at 58% yet water never seems necessary.

This is the first bottle of Australian whisky I’ve ever owned and it is an absolute cracker! I can’t help but feel patriotic. I will certainly reach for this more often than not when feeling like something sweet. It could be my imagination but this just seems to have an element I’ve yet to find from any of the Scott’s works. Well done Bill Lark!

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6 comments

@Chookster
Chookster commented

Further notes; The nose begins sharp, but then opens up very nicely. It takes the port cask notes near half an hour to develop but once they do this whisky seems volumes more complex and balanced.

11 years ago 0

@systemdown
systemdown commented

Great review. I'm yet to try Lark but I may get my chance in a few short weeks. Bill Lark is an industry legend.

11 years ago 0

@Chookster
Chookster commented

I've been very impressed with Lark thus far. They seem to be using very high quality port casks that give the whisky dimensions i just love.

I've had a chance to talk to Bill about his product at a whisky show and all i can say is what a man. He should and will be remembered for his work in the Australian whisky industry in years to come.

11 years ago 0

@Chookster
Chookster commented

Add-on; after a dollop of H2O and about 30 minutes in the glass to breathe, a distinct note of lime joins the party in the aromas department!

11 years ago 0

@systemdown
systemdown commented

Thanks for the update!

11 years ago 0

@Chookster
Chookster commented

I'd add it to the review in an edit but...

I've never noted lime on the nose of a whisky before either! Exciting stuff.

11 years ago 0

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