Tasted at a Dan Murphys whisky event, managed to get a generous 50 ml pour but in quite a distracting environment, but some notes here that give an idea of whats in this bottle. A Tasmanian powerhouse of late that have burst onto the scene with lots of offerings, tasting flight packs and different blends and collaborations. Dark Lark is a 2022 special release, black opaque bottle hiding deep golden liquid. This stuff was matured exclusively in ex-Muscst barrels. I was excited to try this. N: Ohhh this runs deep, thick and indulgent. Richness of soft christmassy fruits like orange and fig and raisin. Sticky sweetness balanced by some bitter cocoa and coffee. I’d like this more if the coffee and cocoa were a little more prominent. P: Peach, soft dark caramel, crisp apple, vanilla, chocolate. Deep, velvety and an oily full bodied mouthfeel. Wonderfuly soothing and comforting palate, like a really good heavy jumper, only in your mouth, and not a jumper, but whisky. Ha! I was a little sad there wasn’t a balancing effect from the bitter notes I found on the nose, they would have been a perfecting compliment for me here. F: Boiled sweets, tobacco and leather, gently spiced oak. This really was indulgent and delightful. It’s very good…. I am very happy I got to try it, and very happy I had my fill of it for free…. …but, It’s also around AUD$250 for 500 ml! Whilst that doesn’t affect my rating, cripes! 250, 500 ml, Are you freaking kidding me?! It’s not that good. My suggestion? Spend 100 or less and get yourself an Arran Port Cask. Its better than this. If you want to spend 250 get an Arran 18, It’s also better. Indulgence needn’t cost 250 (for just “good”), nor should it come in a ridiculous near two-dimensional bottle. Distiller whisky taste #68