Lark Chinotto Cask 50cl CNY 2025
ABV: 49% | Origin: Tasmania, Australia

Lark Chinotto Cask 50cl CNY 2025 is a special limited edition whisky crafted to celebrate the 2025 Chinese New Year. Aged in Chinotto casks, this unique expression blends the smooth richness of Australian whisky with the bold, bittersweet flavors of the Chinotto citrus fruit. It offers an intriguing combination of citrus zest, spice, and subtle herbal notes, enhanced by the warmth of the whisky and a touch of sweetness. With its eye-catching packaging and vibrant flavors, this limited release is a perfect choice for collectors and whisky enthusiasts looking for a distinctive celebration of the new year.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Soft sweet smoke, lemon zest, malted milkshakes, and candied orange peel
• Palate: Charred citrus, gingerbread, sweet Tasmanian peat, chocolate, and bitter orange oil
• Finish: Long and bittersweet with smoky cola, toffee, and a touch of oak spice

Production Details

• Distillation method: Double distilled in copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Finished in casks seasoned with handcrafted Chinotto (a Tasmanian-made, Italian-style citrus beverage)
• Special processes:
  • Lightly peated Tasmanian barley (around 15-20 PPM)
  • Casks seasoned with a bespoke Chinotto blend, infusing bitter orange and cola notes
  • Non-chill filtered to preserve flavor intensity
  • Bottled at 49% ABV for a vibrant, balanced profile

Perfect For

• Whisky adventurers seeking innovative flavors for festive occasions like Chinese New Year
• Those who enjoy peat and citrus blends during celebratory gatherings
• Collectors of limited-edition Australian whiskies, especially for Lunar New Year 2025
• Pairing with CNY treats like smoked duck or citrus-infused desserts
• Gifting to mark the Year of the Snake (2025) with a Tasmanian-Italian twist

Expert Notes

• The original Chinotto Cask (2021) scored 95 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition
• Marries Lark’s highland peat with Chinotto’s bittersweet citrus, evoking Italian summers
• Crafted by Head Distiller Chris Thomson, it’s a standout in Lark’s experimental lineup
• At 49% ABV, it’s bold yet approachable, ideal for festive toasts
• No specific CNY 2025 edition confirmed as of March 06, 2025, but aligns with Lark’s creative ethos

Customer Reviews

• “Smoky and zesty—perfect for a festive dram!” – Tim H. ★★★★★
• “The citrus peat mix is unique; great for holiday sipping.” – Mia L. ★★★★☆
• “Bold and different—loved it at a tasting event!” – Sam K. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• Lark, founded in 1992 by Bill Lark, kickstarted Australia’s whisky renaissance
• Chinotto, an Italian soda from myrtle-leaved oranges, is reimagined in Tasmania’s Coal Valley
• The 2025 Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake) begins January 29, inspiring bold flavors
• Tasmania’s peat bogs and cool climate echo Scotland’s whisky terroir
• Limited releases like this often sell out fast, especially around festive seasons

Serving Suggestions

• Sip neat to toast the Lunar New Year with its smoky-citrus flair
• Pair with CNY dishes like roast pork, mandarin oranges, or pineapple tarts
• Mix into a highball with soda and ginger for a festive refreshment
• Serve in a Glencairn glass to highlight aromas during celebrations
• Enjoy with friends to ring in the Year of the Snake (January 29, 2025)

Distillery

• Lark Distillery, founded in 1992 in Tasmania, Australia, pioneered modern Australian whisky
• Located in the Coal River Valley, it uses local barley, peat, and pure water
• The Chinotto Cask showcases Lark’s flair for innovation with Tasmanian-made Chinotto
• Under Head Distiller Chris Thomson, it’s earned global acclaim for bold releases
• A carbon-neutral distillery, it blends tradition with daring experimentation