Larry Emdur’s The Ben Buckler Whisky Company has secured funding from Shark Tank panellist Robert Herjavec and is preparing to expand into the US market.
According to a report in the Australian Financial Review, the investment will be used to increase production and the brand’s product range.
“I am not a passive investor – I put my energy and time where I put my money. Once we are ready, I am going to do everything I can to help us in the American market,” Herjavec said.
Founded by Emdur in celebration of his 60th birthday to give as a specialty-batch gift to his closest friends, The Ben Buckler has gone on to earn international awards in four of the worlds major spirit competitions and garner strong demand across many Australia’s leading venues, hotels and liquor retailers.
Emdur said: “I originally just wanted to make 60 bottles of whisky for 60 mates for my 60th birthday. It was never supposed to become a business – it was genuinely just a fun thing to do with friends. Then suddenly people started asking where they could buy it, venues wanted to stock it and before we knew it, this little side project had completely taken on a life of its own.
“The momentum behind The Ben Buckler has honestly been incredible. People have connected with it because it feels authentic and ‘seriously’ unpretentious. We’re very proud that something which started so organically has now become a genuinely respected Australian whisky brand.”
Inspired by the iconic Bondi headland from which it takes its name, The Ben Buckler has secured national distribution through Paramount Liquor and ALM Connect, alongside premium placements across leading venues in Sydney and Melbourne and retail ranging including Heinemann Duty Free, where initial allocations sold out rapidly.
Internationally, The Ben Buckler has also attracted significant industry recognition, securing four Gold medals across leading global spirits competitions including San Francisco, New York, Asia and China.
The news follows the recent appointment of Kristy Bloomfield as Chief Executive Officer to help guide the company through its next phase of expansion.
“Kristy is an exceptional operator with a phenomenal track record building global brands,” Emdur said. “She understands premium consumer businesses at the very highest level and knows how to scale brands internationally while still protecting what makes them special. Bringing her into the business is a huge moment for us.”
Bloomfield previously held roles including Global Chief Marketing Officer at Lyre’s and Chief Marketing Officer at Sullivans Cove Distillery.
She said The Ben Buckler’s strengths were its accessibility, quality and being proudly Australian.