Bill Lark

With the assistance of the Federal Minister for Customs to amend the Distillation Act 1901, Bill and Lyn Lark obtained the first distillation licence in Tasmania since 1839, in May 1992. The Lark Distillery immediately began producing Australian Single Malt Whisky along with various other spirits, including a uniquely Australian gin.

Lark won its first major international award in 2009 at the World Whisky Awards. The distillery is well known for encouraging and supporting emerging Australian distillers. Bill was a founding member of the Australian Distillers Association and the Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Association, of which he has been honoured with a lifetime membership.

Lark Distillery won the Telstra Australian Small Business Award in 2014. Bill was inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015 and has since been inducted into the ADA Hall of Fame. He has also been recognised for his contributions to Tasmania’s tourism industry.

Bill was the inaugural Head Judge of the Australian Gin Awards and has been involved in many other awards. He has participated in the Tasting Australia Spirits Awards since its inception, serving as Head Judge for several years and is currently the proud Patron of the Awards.