Tasmania’s Lark Distilling Co. launched The Wolf Release 2020, its third single malt whisky in The Wolf Release series.

‘The Wolf Release series’ is the result of a unique exchange of ideas, passion and whisky barrels between Lark Distillery and Wolf of the Willows Brewing Co.

Every year, empty Lark whisky casks are hand selected by the Victorian-based brewery and sent on a journey across the Bass Strait. Once there, the barrels are filled with Wolf of the Willow’s Imperial Johnny Smoke Porter and left to work their magic on the beer before being decanted, returned to Lark and filled with single malt whisky.

Limited to 1830 bottles, The Wolf Release 2020 was chosen from Lark Distilling Co.’s Bothwell Distillery, home of Nant Single Malt Whisky. Head Distiller and Blender Chris Thomson selected the
distillery because of its punchy tropical and citrus notes.

“The spirit highlights the hop and roasted malt characters left in the casks by Wolf of the Willow’s Imperial Johnny Smoke Porter, resulting in our Third Edition Wolf Release: a unique single malt whisky, brimming with personality and reflecting an adventurous and collaborative journey.”

On the nose there are notes of lush tropical fruit, mangoes and lychees as well as toffee, roasted malt, chocolate covered bananas, and strawberries and cream. On the palate, flavours of rich chocolate malt and liquorice build to a long, fruity finish with hints of intense smoke.

Scott McKinnon, Managing Director and Head Brewer, Wolf of the Willows, says “Lark is a distillery that drives for creativity and quality just like we do at Wolf of the Willows brewing. There’s a subtle confidence and sophistication that we can relate to and appreciate. The Wolf Release 2020 is another reflection of a great collaboration between two parallel industries.

The Wolf Release series began with a casual meeting between Lark Distillery and Wolf of the Willows over a beer and a dram; each had a respect for the quality and creativity of the other, and both shared a fascination for the unique characteristics that an oak cask can impart on its contents. From here the idea of a Barrel Exchange Project was born.

The Wolf Release 2020 is the third product to be created by Lark Distilling Co. and Wolf of the Willows Brewing Co.

Limited stock, at 49% abv, The Wolf Release 2020 is available online at larkdistillery.com and wolfofthewillows.com.au with cellar door sales also available at the Lark Distillery Whisky Bar.

Product information

Product Name: The Wolf Release 2020
RRP: $239.00 (500ml), $62.00 (100ml)
Tasting notes:

Nose: Lush tropical fruit, mangoes and lychees kick on to reveal toffee, roasted malt, chocolate covered bananas and succulent strawberries and cream.
Palate: rich chocolate malt, liquorice, bananas and an incredible hit of smoke with roasted malt and intense oak.
Finish: long, fruity, dark and brooding, leaving traces of smoke .