Four Pillars has collaborated with Lark Distillery to create Whisky Barrel Gin, the first in a series of limited-edition releases using some of the world’s finest whisky barrels.

Launching on 23 April, this exclusive release of only 2000 bottles has been over five years in the making, starting at the Four Pillars distillery with a solera of Sherry and Apera barrels full of high-proof Rare Dry Gin.

Four Pillars Co-Founder and Distiller, Cameron Mackenzie has been experimenting with barrels since Four Pillars launched in 2013 and identified a small number of exceptional barrels that were to be set aside for something special.

Then in mid-2022, after many conversations with Lark’s Head Distiller Chris Thomson, and following a long-term friendship with founders Bill and Lyn Lark, Four Pillars received barrels from Lark Distillery.

The high-proof Rare Dry Gin, which had been ageing in the sherry and apera barrels for about four years, was transferred into the Lark whisky barrels at the beginning of 2023, where it rested for a further six or so months to finish its maturation before all the barrels were blended together.

The final gin has been lauded by the judges at the World Gin Masters 2023 where it won the highest accolade – a Master – in its first ever outing. They said “this remarkable gin shows rich Sherry, coffee cake and walnuts” and “soft vanilla notes.”

Bottled at cask strength – 56.8% ABV – the gin is designed to give drinkers the option to taste this exactly how it came from the barrel or to dilute it to a more moderate sipping strength.

Mackenzie said: “Bill and Lyn Lark are true pioneers of craft spirits in Australia and among the first people we spoke to about our gin dreams, so it is such an honour to team up and create something that blends our worlds together.

“It’s an exceptional gin finished in exceptional barrels and I can’t wait to get it out there, and share it with our friends here in Australia and overseas too.’

The gin will be available to purchase from Heinemann Australia and Lotte in Australia & Singapore for RRP AUD $128, with a small number of bottles also available from www.fourpillarsgin.com and the Gin Shops at the Four Pillars Healesville Distillery and Four Pillars Surry Hills Laboratory for RRP $175.

Four Pillars appoints international team