Jag är mycket glad att kunna presentera en intervju med Bill Lark, som var den förste som sökte en destilleringslicens på Tasmanien sedan mitten av 1800-talet (närmare bestämt 1839).
Lark Distillery grundades 1992.
De använder sig av öns eget korn: Franklin. De hämtar sin torv från en alldeles egen mosse (Brown Marsh Bog) och har också ett eget tunnbinderi som tillverkar deras ekfat.
År 2007 vann de fyra medaljer vid International Wine and Spirits Competition.
I am very pleased to present an interview with Bill Lark, who was the first who sought licens in Tasmania since the mid -1800s (specifically since 1839).
Lark Distillery was founded in 1992.
They use the island's own grain: Franklin. They draw their peat from a bog of its own (Brown Marsh Bog) and also has its own cooperage that manufacture their oak barrels.
In 2007, they won four medals at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Please tell my readers who you are.
HI, I am Bill Lark, Founder and Brand Ambassador for Lark Distillery.
How did you get involved in the whisky industry?
My love of malt Whisky led me to the point of wanting to see if malt Whisky could be made in Tasmania. That was 24 years ago and at a time when Australian legislation discouraged small scale or boutique distilleries. Luckily our politicians also enjoyed Whisky and they were able to assist me by amending the Distillation Act of 1901 to allow small stills. Having achieved that my wife and I decided to obtain a licence and see what transpired. Today there are over 15 Whisky distilleries in Tasmania and we can boast a wide reputation for producing a world class Single Malt Whisky.
How would you define the Lark style?
We originally decided to establish a brand built around using small cask ageing and utilising famous Australian fortified wine barrels such as Seppeltsfield Para Port barrels. We ask their cooper to cut the barrels down to Australian Quarter cask size, 100 lts, shave the inside to remove the dark port stain and then to heavily rechar them.
I would have to say I have had many very enjoyable moments in this industry, meeting many wonderful people who have been warm and generous and truly made us feel part of a world Whisky family. The one moment that stands out and for which I am extremely proud is when I was inducted in the World Whisky Hall of Fame in London last year as inductee No 28 in the world along side so many amazing and talented people who in one way or another have been my inspiration.
Please just simply enjoy quietly sharing your favourite Whisky with good friends, don't hang onto it, it was made to bring pleasure to those who enjoy good food, good company and good times.
Cheers for now.
All pictures belongs to The Lark Distillery©
Thanks to Bill for his cooperation.