Behind our incredible natural resource
Unearthing the Heart of LARK’s Wilderness
When you sip a Tasmanian peated single malt from LARK, you're not just tasting whisky—you're tasting Tasmania. But what exactly is peat, and why does it matter so much to our craft? Let's dig into the story of Tasmanian peat and its role in shaping LARK’s signature whiskies.
Light, floral and extremely approachable
Let's talk about Tasmanian Peat
Peat is ancient. Think of it as Mother Nature’s time capsule—decayed plant matter like moss, roots, and shrubs, slowly decomposing over thousands of years in waterlogged conditions. Over time, these organic layers compress into a dense, spongy material that we call peat. In the world of whisky, peat isn’t just a substance; it’s a flavour carrier. When burned, peat releases aromatic phenols, which infuse whisky with its signature smoky, earthy character. But here at LARK, we do things a little differently.
LARK has a rare treasure: a peat mining license in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, where our very own Brown’s Marsh thrives. Unlike the medicinal, bonfire-like peat of Scotland, Tasmanian peat—dominated by sphagnum moss—offers gentler, toasted, and earthy aromas. Picture the scene: golden button grass plains, the still waters of the marsh reflecting an endless sky, and a unique ecosystem alive with frogs, mosses, and orchids. This is where LARK’s peat is born, hand-cut with care to preserve the delicate balance of this fragile environment. Our sustainable approach ensures that the ecosystem remains undisturbed, so future generations can experience this remarkable wilderness.
LARK’s Unique Post-Malt Peat Process
Here’s where things get interesting
Unlike traditional Scottish distilleries that peat their barley during the malting process, LARK uses post-malt peat smoking.
According to Chris Thomson, our master distiller, this approach offers a softer, nuanced smokiness: “By starting with already malted barley, we control the intensity of the peat influence. It’s not about overpowering the whisky—it’s about layering flavours, like toasted biscuit and earthy tones, that harmonize beautifully with our spirit.”
With a state-of-the-art peat smoker and years of experimentation under our belts, our distillers have perfected the art of peating. During distillation, the heavier peat molecules appear in the later stages of the spirit run. It’s here, guided by sensory cues, that the second cut is made—capturing the essence of LARK’s signature rich, oily spirit with its peaty, earthy character.
A Sustainable Future
Peat in the Wilderness Earth Chapter
The Wilderness Collection’s Earth Chapter celebrates the story of Tasmanian peat through three distinct casks, each showcasing a unique expression of peat’s influence:
The Moss Hopper – Lightly peated, this cask reflects the delicate peat influence, offering aromas of toasted herbs and subtle smokiness.
The King Billy Pine– A bold, medium-peated profile balances earthy depth with vibrant notes of toasted malt and rich Tasmanian wilderness.
The Horned Orchid – Deeply peated, this cask is a smoky marvel, embodying the rugged, untamed beauty of the Central Highlands.
Chris Thomson adds, “Peat is more than just a flavour at LARK—it’s a storyteller. Each cask captures a piece of the Tasmanian wilderness, transforming it into liquid gold.”
A Sustainable Future
THE WILDERNESS SERIES
At LARK, we believe in honouring the land that gives us so much. From sustainable peat extraction to small-batch production, we’re committed to preserving Tasmania’s unique environment for generations to come.
As Chris Thomson says: “Tasmanian peat is the soul of our whisky. It connects us to the land, to history, and to the wild spirit of the island. Every cut of peat, every drop of whisky, tells a story of place and time.”
The Wilderness Earth Chapter is just the beginning. Through peat, LARK brings the Central Highlands to life in every bottle. So, raise your glass and taste the untamed beauty of Tasmania. Ready to uncover the rest of the wilderness?
Stay tuned for the upcoming Sky Chapter and Sea Chapter—because Tasmania’s story is as vast as its landscapes.