Killara Distillery’s Kristy Lark and Four Pillars Gin’s Sarah Prowse have been jointly announced as Distiller of the Year at the inaugural 2026 Australian Distillers Awards.
Australia’s leading distillers gathered to celebrate the individuals and businesses shaping the future of the nation’s spirits industry during the national Australian Distillers Conference 2026, with the awards program recognising outstanding achievement across safety, sustainability, innovation, leadership and industry contribution.
Opening the gala awards evening, Australian Distillers Association President David Ridden challenged attendees to think boldly about the future of the industry.
“Think about how we lead, not how we follow. Push hard and never ever give up,” he said.
Four Pillars said: “The Australian Distilling Association’s new award celebrates excellence in production quality, brand development, commercial success and contribution to the Aussie distilling industry. Industry judges considered achievements relative to the scale and stage of the business, ensuring distillers of all sizes could be recognised.
“In its first year, the Australian Distilling Association gave the awards to two distillers – props also to Kristy Lark from Killara Distillery in Tassie.
“In Australia, there are over 700 distilleries and even more distillers, so this is a huge achievement. It’s a massive nod to Sarah for carrying on the legacy of Cameron Mackenzie and the story of Four Pillars, while carving out her own path. We’re really bloody proud and grateful to have her in our gin family. Let’s go, Prowsey!”
Killara Distillery said: “We are very proud to announce that Kristy was awarded as the inaugural Distiller of the Year at this year’s 2026 Australian Distillers Conference. This new award recognizes and celebrates excellence in production quality, brand development, commercial success and contribution to the Australian distilling industry.”
Australian Distillers Association Chief Executive Officer Kylie Lethbridge said: “These awards celebrate the innovators, leaders and pioneers who are helping to build a stronger future for Australian distilling. Their achievements demonstrate the extraordinary talent that exists across our industry and the important contribution distillers make to regional communities, tourism, manufacturing and the national economy.”
Additional winners included:
- Safety Award – Callington Mill Distillery
- Sustainability & Responsibility Award – Furneaux Distillery
- Innovation Award – Anther Geelong Distillery
- Emerging Distillery Award – Dharawal Distilling Co.
The evening concluded with the induction of Starward Whisky founder David Vitale into the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame. In an emotional and often humorous address, Vitale reflected on the journey of building one of Australia’s most recognised whisky brands while paying tribute to colleagues, supporters and the broader distilling community that helped
shape the company’s success.
“The Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose contribution extends well beyond their own business,” Lethbridge said.
“David’s impact on Australian whisky and the international reputation of Australian spirits has been significant and enduring.”
Record attendance at national conference
The 2026 Australian Distillers Conference brought together 430 delegates, nearly 70 speakers, 45 exhibitors, government representatives, industry experts and stakeholders from across Australia for three days of learning, collaboration, industry
leadership.
The conference provided delegates with an extensive program covering advocacy, market opportunities, innovation, sustainability, tourism, workforce development, export and the future growth of Australia’s spirits industry.
Lethbridge said: “This conference was about more than bringing people together. It was about building the future of our industry together.
“Delegates heard from some of the country’s leading experts, explored practical solutions to industry challenges and strengthened the relationships that underpin our sector’s success.”
The conference came at an important time for Australian distillers as businesses navigate ongoing economic pressures, rising production costs, taxation challenges and changing consumer behaviours.
Throughout the event, delegates participated in plenary sessions, technical workshops and industry discussions designed to equip businesses with the knowledge, tools and connections needed to thrive.
The conference also highlighted the growing international opportunities available to Australian spirits producers, building on the momentum generated by the recent Australian Distillers Association’s largest-ever international trade mission.
“The energy throughout the conference was incredible,” Lethbridge said. “Our industry innovates, adapts and supports one another and the conversations, ideas and partnerships formed this week will continue to deliver benefits long after delegates return home.”