Bill Lark has been awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the whisky distilling industry.
Together with his wife, Lyn Lark, Bill helped transform Australian whisky when the pair first established Lark Distillery in 1992.
The vision of producing a Tasmanian malt whisky was born in 1989 on a trout fishing trip in the highlands of Tasmania. Bill’s father-in-law, Max, produced a wonderful bottle of single malt. As they enjoyed a drink in the park at Bothwell surrounded by Georgian buildings, barley fields and the gentle flowing of the Clyde River, Bill remarked to Max that he wondered why there wasn’t anyone making malt whisky in Tasmania.
This question stuck with Bill and Lyn, leading them to inquire into the details of obtaining a distillation license. This inquiry lead to the discovery of Australia’s antiquated distillation laws and eventually to their amendment.
In 1992, the Lark household became the first Australian distillery to produce single malt spirit in 154 years. In 1998 the first Lark Distillery Single Malt Whisky was released commercially.
“I am genuinely humbled by receiving this award and feel immensely honoured to be recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM),” Lark said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the sharing and collegiality offered to me by the Scottish industry, a sentiment which is largely shared today throughout the industry in Australia. Today our craft encompasses manufacturing, hospitality and tourism employing many people. I would also like to thank the many people across Australia who have helped make an amazing industry a reality.”
The honour of an AM adds to a remarkable legacy. Bill was the first Australian inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015, an inaugural inductee of the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame, and the Founding President of the Australian Distillers Association in 2004.
“Australian whisky owes almost everything to Bill Lark and this recognition could not be more richly deserved,” said Lark Managing Director & CEO Stuart Gregor.
“Bill has not only made the most incredible contribution to Tasmanian whisky but to the distilled spirits industry across Australia. His name is synonymous with great quality, integrity and imagination, and for what the New World of Whisky, with Tasmania at the forefront, can become.”
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