Aged Whisky

Aged Whisky

Aged whisky from Lark Distilling Co. is the ideal gift for a friend or for yourself to enjoy a cool evening with some friends. You can enjoy whisky by itself, mixed with a cocktail, or as an accompaniment to a good meal. These aged whiskies from Lark Distilling are crafted and selected from our best barrels, and you are sure to see the quality and craftsmanship that went into every drop. You can choose from full-sized bottles or our famous tasting set, and all offer a unique flavour and are often the choice of an experienced whisky enthusiast.

Is aged whisky better?

When discussing aged whisky, there can be a lot of misconceptions and arguments, especially if you're talking about whisky from different regions. In Scotland, a drink cannot be classified as whisky until it has spent over three years inside a charred oak barrel - in the US, straight bourbon whisky only needs to be matured for two years. Australian whisky is made very similarly to Scottish whisky, but the regulations state that whisky must be stored in wood for no less than two years. 

While two years is the minimum that a whisky needs to be kept in wood barrels, it doesn't mean that the barrels are immediately used, and the whisky poured into bottles at that time. The time that whisky is ready or appropriately aged is left up to the master distiller. After two years of maturation time has passed, the whisky will be tested, and then a decision is made to determine if it is ready. 

The age of a whisky is crucial as it can indicate how much flavour you'll find in that particular whisky. The way whisky forms its flavours is by penetrating the wood fibres of the barrels and breaking down compounds within, including sugars, and pulling them into the whisky. The barrels' location is also important because when warmed, the wood expands, letting the whisky in. Then as the wood cools down, it contracts, pushing the liquid back out, along with colour and flavours. As time progresses, the flavours in the whisky become more balanced and complex. 

When a whisky is said to be aged, all the markings imply how long it has been aged inside a barrel. If your whisky is a blend, then this number is the age of the youngest whisky used. It's important to note that whisky does not continue to age after leaving the barrel, as there is no whisky to wood contact. 

Crafting a whisky is a skill in itself as you can't just take a whisky that has been in barrels for a certain length of time, and then you're done. All the barrels used to make whisky will imbue slightly different characteristics into the whisky. Adding an older whisky may be required to help with the balance and obtain a consistent flavour. 

Aged whisky is often seen as better than a younger one, but the fundamental guide for a good whisky is what it tastes like. Going to a whisky cellar door and ordering a tasting is the best way to get the whisky you prefer. If you can't visit, then buying a whisky tasting set is another excellent option. You can also read reviews offered by whisky experts and allow them to guide you to the flavours and nuances of all different types of whisky.

How to determine the age of a whisky?

Any whisky produced in the modern age will have a mark on the label stating how long it was stored inside barrels. If you are purchasing an old bottle of whisky, such as at an auction, you can determine by examining parts of the bottle. The first place you can look for dates is to be marked on the glass bottle itself. Next, look at the label and find any indication that will tell you the year it was made. Finally, you can research the whisky's name and see if you can find out anything about the distillery. For example, if your label matches a distillery that closed operation in the 1990s, you can work out a minimum age. 

If you're looking to determine the length of time an aged whisky was in the barrels without any label markings, then there's not a lot you can do. You can read up on the history of a label and see if it's noted how often they usually let a whisky mature. Realistically, you're going to rely on taste and your best judgement. However, some extremely talented whisky tasters may give you an indication of the whisky's age.

Where can I buy the best whisky near me?

At Lark Distilling, we have been producing quality aged whisky for over thirty years. You'll find an excellent range of single malt whiskies in our online shop and some blended whiskies. We are dedicated to seeing Tasmania hold onto Australia's finest whisky producer's mantle and crafting excellent spirits for the next generation. If you're interested in top-shelf whisky, then Lark Distilling is a brilliant place to get started. 

All orders for a whisky delivery will be sent out from our warehouse after one business day, and these are shipped using the Australia Post network. In addition to our premium whisky, we also produce Australian gin, including many flavoured gins and some excellent Australian liqueurs. If you need any assistance in choosing the right whisky for you, our staff are happy to help out.