How long is the tasting?

The session runs approximately 60 minutes and includes guided nosing and tasting of three whiskies.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the tasting room is wheelchair accessible as noted in the event details.

Do I need to be a whisky expert?

No—this tasting is suitable for both curious newcomers and experienced drinkers; hosts explain technical details at a friendly level.

Can I buy bottles at the distillery?

Yes—the distillery shop often carries limited Wilderness Series bottlings, though availability can be constrained.

Are refunds available if I cancel?

Cancellation policy details are handled through the festival booking system; check your booking confirmation or the referral link for specifics.

Is food included or available?

Food is not included; pairing with local cafes or Salamanca Market before or after the tasting is recommended.

From Frozen Frontier to Glass: Antarctic Influence on Tasmanian Whisky

On a cool evening in central Hobart at LARK Distillery, 14 Davey St, the room fills with peat smoke, citrus peel and a faint saline note that feels like the Southern Ocean itself. Aus Antarctic Festival: From Water to Whisky is a focused 60-minute tasting hosted by LARK Brand Experience Manager Niall Maurici and Master Distiller Chris Thomson. The session pairs three Wilderness Series single malts — Devil's Storm No. 183, Coral Veil and Antarctic Edge — with short, practical explanations of how Antarctica, coastal weather systems and Tasmania’s geology leave fingerprints on flavor. Sit at the tasting bar and you’ll be guided through nosing and sipping while the hosts point to precise elements: Tasmanian peat that lends smoky phenols, rainwater chemistry altered by Southern Ocean storms, and oak influence from ex-Bourbon casks. Devil’s Storm No. 183 shows peat smoke articulated against island fruit; Wilderness Series: Coral Veil channels oceanic salinity and kelp-bed minerals; Wilderness Series: Antarctic Edge offers lemon curd, salted caramel and toasted brioche framed by cool maritime air. Each pour is an invitation to read landscape through a glass. The experience works for a wide range of visitors. Whisky fans will appreciate the distillation and cask details; travelers interested in Tasmania’s natural systems will find the discussion of currents, rainfall and coastal soils illuminating. The tasting room is wheelchair accessible and restricted to guests eighteen and older. Cost is listed at $99 per person; the session is available through the festival booking link. Why this matters to outdoor-minded travelers: LARK translates place into spirit. Hobart sits on routes where Antarctic weather first meets land, and that proximity shapes the island’s peat bogs, coastal flora and freshwater chemistry. Sampling these whiskies before or after a walk along the nearby Derwent waterfront or a short hike up to the historic Battery Point gives the tasting an extra layer — you taste what you just saw. Practical tips: arrive a few minutes early to settle and smell the still-warm oak; bring a small notebook if you track tasting notes; allow time after the session to visit the distillery shop where limited Wilderness Series bottlings are offered. For visitors during the Australian Antarctic Festival this event deepens festival themes by connecting polar influence to local craft. It’s an evocative, educational hour that turns curiosity about climate and coastline into memorable tasting moments. Booking ahead is advised as Wilderness Series releases are limited, and staff sometimes schedule short talks that expand on barrel sourcing and seasonal mash variations; consider pairing the tasting with a visit to nearby Salamanca Market on market days to compare local food, sea-salt air and hand-crafted products before buying a bottle to take home. Plan to linger often.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

60 minutes.

Fitness level

Minimal fitness required—comfortable standing and light walking ability is sufficient

Wildlife

little penguins
Australian fur seals

History

Hobart has long been a southern gateway where ships and researchers stage voyages toward Antarctica, shaping the city’s connection to polar exploration and maritime trade.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to follow festival sustainability guidelines, minimise waste and respect bottle limits; responsible tasting and recycling help protect coastal ecosystems.

Lark Distillery is a Tasmanian distillery located in Pontville, Tasmania. The distillery offers a range of guided tastings, masterclasses, and production tours that showcase Australian single malt whisky and Tasmanian gin. Visitors can choose from experiences such as the Distiller’s Breakfast at the Davey Street Cellar Door on the Hobart waterfront, Cask Confidential in Pontville bond stores, the FORTY SPOTTED Gin Distillery Experience, FUSE whisky blending, the Welcome to Whisky 45‑minute tasting, Welcome to LARK guided tastings, a two‑hour Gin Making Experience, and the LARK Distillery Production Site Tour in restored historic buildings. Each experience is led by trained guides who present the journey from grain to glass, sample single malts straight from cask, and explain cask influence including the role of Tasmanian fortified wines. The production site tour highlights the distillery’s heritage setting, restored buildings, and premium single malt production processes. The gin experiences focus on botanicals, sensory blending, and practical masterclass techniques. Lark Distillery’s on-site offerings combine education with tasting and hands‑on opportunities such as bespoke whisky blending and gin formulation. The business operates established tasting venues including the Davey Street Cellar Door and Pontville bond stores, providing structured, bookable experiences suitable for beginners and enthusiasts. With a focus on craft, transparency, and a variety of curated flights, Lark Distillery provides visitors direct access to Australia’s pioneering single malt tradition and the distinctive flavours of Tasmanian spirits. Bookings are available through official channels and experiences can be tailored for groups and corporate events on request locally.

Base locationHobart, Tasmania

Tours offered8+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace