A former musician turned Master Distiller saw Chris Thomson swap the bass guitar for barrels when he took on a job at Tasmania’s LARK distillery in his 20s. The father of three still finds himself in his happy place, talking whisky, bottling one of the world’s best, and cheering on the latest release of DARK LARK – now in its sixth iteration.
The limited-edition DARK LARK is officially on sale from today [8th July] – and like every year that precedes it, the demand goes through the proverbial roof. This year, according to Thomson, a larger number of bottles have been made to meet the hotly-tipped demand.
The slick bottle design is as moody on the outside as is the syrupy goodness you’ll find on the inside – a single malt that sits in a sea of notes – from sticky figs to dark chocolate covered cherries and espresso gelato – with a hint of honey and lemon shortbread.
Crafted by Master Distiller Chris Thomson and the LARK Whisky Makers, this year’s expression is sure to woo the palette – urging you to gather your closest crew, drink [responsibly] and be merry.
The brand is also changing the perception of a traditional whisky drinker, and one that’s resonating with the underground energy of Dark Mofo – the annual winter arts festival in Hobart. It means DARK LARK has found its cosy position in a brooding corner to show off its dark side.
The Write Drop caught up with Chris Thomson ahead of the new release.
TELL US ABOUT THE DARK LARK JOURNEY
The first bottle of DARK LARK was released in 2018. The demand has been growing every year ever since, and the support and love for the release has only gotten bigger. It was always a big passion project for us to work around this idea of the democratisation of whisky – to make it accessible, fun and for all to enjoy. I started in the whisky world when I was 20 – and now, for me it’s all about creating a whisky for all to enjoy together. Now you’ll see people enjoying whisky in a way that perhaps wasn’t the way they approached the spirit all those years ago.
WHAT’S THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THE BOTTLE
I don’t have a lot of trade secrets, but firstly we start with the idea that every DARK LARK we make should be the most drinkable whisky on the planet. If you’ve been intimidated by the strength and alcohol content in whisky, this is the whisky for you. It’s a 43% strength but tastes like 15%.
IF YOU WOULD PICK A GENRE OF MUSIC THIS WHISKY SITS WITHIN -WHAT IS IT FOR YOU?
It’s trip-hop – and I think of Portishead and Tricky. It’s that super slick sound that you get drawn into immediately – it’s easy andsuddenly you’re there to absorb the moment.
DARK LARK’S APPEARANCE ALONGSIDE DARK MOFO IS A CLEVER STRATEGY. HIGH FIVE TO THAT!
DARK LARK is really about unpacking what it means to Tasmanian; we get to the bones of it with this bottle. I was very young when I came into the whisky industry at 20, but I feel with this moment, there has been a real passion around bringing other young people in on the whisky journey. It’s about connecting whiskies in moments and lived experiences that aren’t all Chesterfield leather couches and fireplaces. When we were talking about doing something for Dark Mofo around winter, the expectation within the business was that I was going to come to them with a stout style whisky, something heavy and luscious. When I really thought about what my community needed and what I treasured at this time of winter in Tasmania, was to encourage a sense of socialisation – because down here you can hibernate in winter and not get out as much. Instead of going to pubs, DARK LARK is about creating a house or dinner party of guests and connecting with people. It’s about being in the moment. The whisky is all about drinkability, about being super social, and enjoying an amazing experience. I want it to be the whisky that everyone talks about.
THE PRICE SHIFT EXPLAINED
You’ll notice that the price has changed quite a bit. We’ve gone, from 500ml at $250 to 700ml at $150 a bottle. We think this is what Tasmanian whisky really should become known for globally – to be innovative, different, accessible, fun and Australian.
THE NOTES OF ESPRESSO GELATO AND CHERRIES HAS US HOOKED . ARE YOU GETTING MORE PLAYFUL WITH YOUR EXPRESSIONS?
When we’re creating whisky, we’re always thinking about that connection to the whisky drinker. Whisky certainly is often quite a hard and serious category, and this whisky is an expression of a desire to be free, have fun and let loose.
HOW SHOULD WE DRINK DARK LARK.
whisky drinking doesn’t have to be bound by rules; it’s not like a bottle of wine. You can drink this neat, on-ice or go into cocktails. It makes a great sour, a great highball. It’s versatile.
WHERE SHOULD WE DRINK DARK LARK IN HOBART
Head to Gotham at The Still. We were there for my dad’s 70th birthday dinner and nobody wanted to leave. The atmosphere, the cocktails, the service, the food. It was all exceptional.
No.166 DARK LARK 2026 will be available from 8 July 2026 via larkdistillery.com and Hobart venues.
700mL | 43% ABV
RRP $150 AUD
