LET THERE be DARK - DARK LARK 2025 Limited Edition

LET THERE BE DARK

A LIVELY SPIRIT, BEST UNLEASHED AFTER SUNSET

Darkness—the pulse of Tasmania’s creative soul. As dusk falls, it awakens a realm of bold expression and unbridled spirit, where we shout, sing, dance, and revel in the night’s embrace. DARK LARK is a distillation of this vibrant energy, crafted at LARK’s Bothwell Distillery to celebrate Tasmania’s untamed beauty and inspiring landscapes.

Drawing inspiration from the Bay of Fires, where fiery sunset-lit lichen sets the rugged shores ablaze, this smooth single malt whisky reveals layers of ripe papaya, maple-glazed almonds, and espresso gelato. The palate deepens with juicy berry compote, buttery shortbread, and sticky fig pudding, culminating in an intricate finish of mulled stone fruit, spice-poached pear, and toasted marzipan.

DARK LARK 2025 Single Malt Whisky embodies the bold flavours and creative spirit that come alive in the dead of night—a celebration of Tasmania’s transformative beauty, where the darkness inspires life’s most vibrant moments. So, when the dusk falls, unstopper the cork, raise a glass, and toast to the night. To late-night gatherings, to intimate moments, and to all that it heroes.

Tasmania’s nights have always held a certain magic — and now, they have a whisky to match. Introducing DARK LARK 2025, the latest bold expression from LARK Distilling Co., crafted for those who feel most alive after dusk.

DARK LARK 2025 Single Malt Whisky invites whisky lovers to step into the night with a spirit that’s vibrant, luxurious, and unapologetically rich.

HISTORY OF DARK LARK Limited Edition series

The DARK LARK limited edition series began in 2021 as LARK Distilling Co.’s inaugural winter release, aiming to capture the enigmatic allure of Tasmania’s long, dark winters and the mesmerizing Aurora Australis.

The first edition debuted during the 2021 Dark Mofo Festival, featuring a muscat cask finish and was available exclusively through Lark’s Cellar Door . Each subsequent release has embraced a unique theme, with the 2022 edition earning the title of Whisky of the Year at the Australian Whisky Awards.

The 2023 release introduced a sweet Muscat twist, while the 2024 edition drew inspiration from the Aurora Australis, offering notes of bright honeycomb, light spiced oak, and caramelised pineapple .

Each four DARK LARK editions have each celebrated for its distinctive character and limited availability.

For Those Who Thrive After Dark

This new release isn’t simply a whisky; it’s a celebration of nocturnal energy. DARK LARK 2025 is designed for moments when the lights dim and creativity ignites — for the quiet thinkers, the bold dreamers, and the late-night storytellers.

LARK describes DARK LARK as ‘a ritual of discovery,’ and everything about this whisky embodies that spirit. From its layered flavour profile to its striking design, it captures the mystery and possibility that unfold when the sun sets.

Maturation and Complexity

To create DARK LARK 2025, the LARK team employed a considered maturation strategy. The whisky is initially aged in a selection of port, bourbon, and sherry casks before undergoing a luxurious finishing process in PX and Muscat fortified wine casks. This approach results in an indulgent, multifaceted profile.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE
Ripe papaya and maple-glazed almonds, with espresso gelato, vibrant golden peach jam balanced by subtle lemon peel

PALATE
Juicy berry compote and shortbread biscuits, deepened by coconut macaroons and emerging rich sticky fig pudding

FINISH
Lingering warmth of mulled stone fruit and meringue, rounded by spice-poached pear and a hint of toasted marzipan

MATURATION CASK
Port, Bourbon and sherry casks

FINISHING CASKS
PX and Muscat casks

WHISKY COLOUR
Deep Gold

With an ABV of 43% and presented in a sleek 500ml bottle, DARK LARK 2025 is accessible yet undeniably a premium single malt whisky— perfect for both neat pours and crafted cocktails.

BLENDERS NOTES

DARK LARK is a delicate juxtaposition of decadent and rich fortified influence balanced by our beautifully light and tropical Bothwell single malt. The whisky is put through a proprietary filtration technique that lifts the palate structure, making it wonderfully easy to drink while retaining all of the rich and juicy fortified elements from the finishing casks.

Signature Serves: Elevating Late-Night Moments

Recognizing that DARK LARK is a whisky designed for the night, LARK has curated signature cocktails that highlight its layered richness.

VELVET RITUAL

The Velvet Ritual is a bold twist on a classic whisky sour, blending DARK LARK 2025 with ruby grapefruit, honey, and egg white, crowned with a velvety red wine float—a cocktail crafted for the moment when the night awakens our creative spirit.

Smooth + Intriguing

INGREDIENTS

60ml DARK LARK 2025 Single Malt Whisky
10ml fresh ruby grapefruit juice
10ml fresh lemon juice
15ml honey syrup
20ml egg white
20ml Australian dry red wine
Red Ixora edible flowers garnish

METHOD

Shake all ingredients (except the wine) on ice and strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Gently float the wine onto the top of the drink, finish with Red Ixora edible flowers to garnish, and toast to the night.

GOLDEN HOUR

The Golden Hour cocktail is a vibrant mix of DARK LARK, Oloroso Sherry, and ginger ale, topped with bitters and garnished with a cherry —capturing the warmth and energy of sunset, the perfect start to the night.

Vibrant + Refreshing

INGREDIENTS

60ml DARK LARK 2025 Single Malt Whisky
10ml Oloroso Sherry
2 dashes of cocktail bitters
Top with dry ginger ale
Cherry to garnish

METHOD

Build in a tall glass on ice, garnish with a cherry and raise a glass to the night ahead.

AMBER GLOW

The Amber Glow cocktail is a radiant blend of Dark Lark, pear and honey cordial, and a splash of lemon juice, topped with champagne and finished with champagne grapes as a garnish—a sparkling celebration of bold flavours and golden moments.

Crisp + Refined

INGREDIENTS

30ml DARK LARK 2025 Single Malt Whisky
60ml Pear and honey cordial*
10ml Lemon juice
Top up with Champagne
Champagne Grape garnish

METHOD

Layer the Dark Lark, pear and honey cordial, and lemon juice in a chilled coupette. Top with champagne and finish with small grapes to garnish. Serve immediately and savour the spirit of the night.
To make the pear and honey cordial, take 250ml pear juice, 100ml Honey, 1 TSPN Citric acid. Warm all ingredients in saucepan on stove top and stir to incorporate, avoid simmer or boiling. Remove from heat and stand until cool.

These serves allow venues to position Dark Lark at the heart of curated late-night experiences, from cocktail flights to whisky-focused dessert pairings.

Visual Identity and Storytelling

DARK LARK’S brand identity is built around the theme “Let There Be Dark.” Its visual world draws inspiration from Tasmania’s Bay of Fires, blending deep twilight tones and vibrant fiery hues. Every touchpoint — from the packaging to the storytelling — invites consumers into a world of rich flavour and vibrant creativity.

Why Stock DARK LARK 2025?

Limited Edition Appeal: With finite quantities available, Dark Lark creates urgency and exclusivity.
Versatile Activation: Perfect for premium late-night menus, whisky flights, and innovative cocktails.
Trade Up Opportunity: Appeals to premium whisky drinkers seeking new stories and distinctive Tasmanian craftsmanship.

Spirits Platform’s Brand Ambassadors are available to bring the DARK LARK story to life at your venue. From menu development and cocktail strategy to immersive education and training, they provide tailored support to engage staff and impress guests.

To organise a whisky training session, contact local Spirits Academy Brand Ambassador. They’ll work closely with your team to ensure your customers experience the very best of Tasmanian single malt whisky.

To range DARK LARK 2025 contact your Spirits Platform State Manager.