If it seems like Tasmania’s iconic Lark Distillery are moving forward with more releases than most would even know what to do with this year – you’re not going crazy. There has simply not been an Australian distillery as prolific and inventive with their 2021 releases and the latest, a Ruby Pinot Cask Finish, is not exception.
Released on World Whisky Day earlier this month, Lark’s Ruby Pinot Cask Finish has been created in collaboration with nearby Frogmore Creek Winery, once again tasking the two neighbouring labels with blending their best sides to create something uniquely Tasmanian, and relentlessly expressive.
The combination of port, sherry, bourbon, white oak, and wine casks from Lark’s Bothwell Distillery were hand-picked to complement the juicy flavours of vibrant berries from the finishing casks which were provided by Frogmore Creek. That is, the winery’s ex-Ruby Pinot Noir fortified wine casks.
This is the third time both labels have come together, and it’s easily the most exciting collaboration between the two to date. The first time they teamed up, Frogmore Creek used a Lark cask to mature a Christmas mine fruit pie jus which was used for Lark’s Christmas Cask. The second – a spectacular Sparkling Wine Finish exclusively created for The Whisky Club (one of the best whisky subscription services in Australia).
Frogmore Creek’s Ruby Pinot is one of the winery’s best known and most popular released. The release is always non-vintage, as every second year the winery harvests premium quality Pinot Noir which, after the vintage process, is blended into French oak barrels with past vintages of the Ruby Pinot as per the Solera technique of blending.
As such, the unique characteristics of the Ruby Pinot come through beautifully in the whisky. The Ruby Pinot Cask Finish is a light, fruity profile throughout the palate, with notes of orange blossom and honeysuckle on the nose, and inflections of mandarin, maple, and meadow honey from the front to back palate.
“Australians are embracing local single malt whisky like never before, so we’ve been keen to experiment with new and unique flavours to push traditional limits,” said Lark Head Distillery Chris Thomson. “Tasmania is recognised for its cool climate wines and Frogmore Creek is a perennial favourite thank to its award-winning Pinot Noir. This Whisky offers a truly rich flavour comprising fresh fruit-filled mandarin and finished in beautiful Frogmore Creek ex-Ruby Pinot Noir fortified wine casks.”
Ruby Pinot Cask Finish is available for a limited time only and exclusively from Lark Distilling Co for $299 for a 500ml bottle.
