Lark

In 1989, while on a fishing trip with his father-in-law in Tasmania, Bill Lark wondered why nobody there made whisky locally - after all, the climate and barley cultivation reminded him strongly of Scotland. The problem: an antiquated Australian law had banned the operation of small stills since the 1830s. Lark spent the following years persuading the government to change the law - successfully: in 1992, Bill and Lyn Lark founded the first Australian distillery to produce single malt in 154 years. Lark Distillery ignited the craft whisky boom that continues in Australia and New Zealand to this day, and Bill Lark himself became the first distiller from the southern hemisphere ever inducted into the World Whiskies Awards Hall of Fame in 2015 - as the "Godfather of Australian Whisky".

Why did Bill Lark first have to get a law changed?

An Australian law dating from the 1830s banned the operation of small stills - Lark lobbied the government for years until the restriction was lifted in 1992, allowing him to found his own distillery.

Why is Lark considered the "Godfather of Australian Whisky"?

As Australia's first craft distillery in 154 years, Lark set off a domino effect that has since produced dozens of new whisky distilleries across Australia and New Zealand - an achievement honoured in 2015 with induction into the World Whiskies Awards Hall of Fame.

Flavour profile

Taste: Rich and complex with tropical fruit, caramel and a fine spice from rapid cask maturation in Tasmania's climate.

Recommended enjoyment: Taste neat, to experience this distillery's pioneering role in a single glass.

Start with Lark Distillery 2016/2021 - 5 Year Old.

Facts and figures

Founded 1992 by Bill and Lyn Lark in Tasmania - Australia's first single malt distillery in 154 years. Bill Lark inducted into the World Whiskies Awards Hall of Fame in 2015.