A Night with LARK: Learning from the Master Distiller
“It’s all about the connection with the moment.” — Chris Thomson
One of the things I have quickly learnt on this whisky journey is that no matter how many books you read or tastings you complete, there is something uniquely valuable about hearing directly from the people behind the spirit. Recently, I had the privilege of attending an intimate evening hosted by LARK Distillery at the stunning Jackalope Hotel — an experience that proved to be both educational and genuinely memorable.
The evening provided a rare opportunity to sit down one-on-one with LARK’s Master Distiller, Chris Thomson, whose passion for whisky and depth of knowledge immediately set the tone for the night.
We were welcomed with a Highball cocktail featuring LARK’s latest release, Fire Trail No. 151 — a refreshing and approachable introduction that immediately demonstrated whisky’s versatility beyond simply drinking it neat. It was the perfect way to start the evening.
Rather than standing as a formal presenter, Chris casually introduced himself to guests and spoke openly, sharing over 20 years of experience within the whisky industry. His relaxed and personable approach made the evening feel more like a conversation among enthusiasts than a structured masterclass.
Before diving into the tasting, Chris shared the origins of LARK and the story of the legendary Bill Lark — often referred to as the Godfather of Australian Whisky. Hearing the history directly from someone continuing that legacy added a deeper layer of appreciation to every dram that followed.
As the tasting progressed, Chris guided us through the expressions in the new Signature Collection, offering not only tasting notes but insights into how he sees whisky connecting with the drinker. One quote in particular stayed with me:
“It’s all about the connection with the moment.”
It is a simple statement, but one that genuinely resonated. Whisky often becomes tied to memories, celebrations, quiet reflections, milestones, or simply unwinding after a demanding day. Hearing a Master Distiller speak about whisky in emotional rather than technical terms offered a refreshing perspective.
What became clear throughout the evening was that this connection extended far beyond what was inside the bottle. In 2026, LARK’s Signature Range received international recognition, winning the World Whiskies Awards award for Best Range Design, celebrating the impressive artistry and packaging behind the collection.
What initially appears to be simply elegant artwork revealed itself to be far more thoughtful. Chris explained that the feathers of the LARK bird depicted across the packaging are made up of 23 different species of ferns found in Tasmania, creating a uniquely Tasmanian identity for the range. Even more impressive, when three bottles are placed together in the correct sequence, the artwork transforms — revealing the LARK bird in flight. It was one of those small details that perfectly reflected the level of craftsmanship and storytelling behind the range.
The evening also carried an added sense of occasion given Chris’s own recent recognition within the whisky world. In the 2026 Icons of Whisky – Rest of the World awards, Chris Thomson was awarded Master Distiller / Master Blender of the Year — a fitting acknowledgement of his passion, expertise, and contribution to whisky making.
The Signature Collection Experience
Fire Trail No. 151
Chris described this as the whisky to get the party started — approachable, lively, and ideal after a hard day’s work. Experiencing it first as a Highball highlighted its versatility and reinforced that whisky does not always need to be approached with ceremony.
Devil’s Storm No. 183
A more relaxed and social style, perfectly suited to dinner parties or hosting family and friends. One of the more surprising takeaways from the evening was experiencing how exceptionally well it pairs with fresh oyster shots — not a pairing I would have instinctively considered, but certainly one that sparked curiosity.
Ruby Abyss No. 285
Perhaps the most memorable description of the night, Chris likened Ruby Abyss to the feeling of a first kiss and referring it to a “boss whisky” Rich, emotional, and deeply memorable. To me, this felt like a great bottle to bring out for your closest friends and family or to quietly appreciate alone when the moment calls for something special.
We were also fortunate to experience something truly special: a tasting of the luxury Mizunara Oak Rare Cask whisky. The influence of Mizunara oak delivered remarkable complexity and depth, layering spice, incense-like qualities, and an elegance that made it feel genuinely distinctive. It was one of those pours that reminds you whisky can still surprise you.
What made the evening particularly enjoyable was the atmosphere. It never felt overly formal or intimidating. Instead, it was intimate, informative, and consistently entertaining, with plenty of laughter shared throughout the night.
The staff at Jackalope and Flagadoot were exceptional hosts, and Chris himself was passionate, generous with his knowledge, and genuinely engaging. More importantly, it was an opportunity to share the experience alongside like-minded whisky enthusiasts — something that always adds another dimension to learning.
Final Thoughts
One lesson this journey continues to reinforce is that whisky is far more than flavour notes and cask types — it is about stories, people, craftsmanship, and moments.
If you ever have the opportunity to attend an event hosted by Chris Thomson — recently recognised as the 2026 Icons of Whisky Rest of the World Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year — I would strongly recommend it. Whether you are just beginning your whisky journey or have years of experience behind you, evenings like this remind you there is always something new to learn.
An evening definitely worth the $90 pp entry fee. Educational, entertaining, and genuinely memorable.