Lark Distilling Co. | Tasmania

The Lark Distillery story began in 1992 with a 5-litre stove-top pot still purchased at an auction, which Bill and Lyn Lark used to start making whisky at home. They soon scaled up from 5 to 20 litres; that still lasted about a month before they wanted a bigger one. They then got an 80-litre still (that lasted about six months) before finally settling on a 500-litre still, which sat outside daughter Kristy's bedroom door. All stills were modelled on the same design as the original 5-litre still, as the Larks liked the style of spirit it produced with its top-mounted condenser, plus it fitted in the house better than a side condenser and lyne arm ever would.

When the Larks started distilling, they laid down roughly one cask every six months, as they had small children, a sheep farm, and other businesses to keep them busy. They moved the distilling operation to Richmond in 1997 and released their first commercially available Lark whisky in 1998. Bill still had his surveying business until 2000, when he sold it to his associate and joined Lyn in distilling full time. It took them four days to produce enough spirit to fill one 100L barrel. Their 500-litre pot still created the for Lark single cask whisky LD-100 which won Best Other Single Malt Whiskey at the World Whisky Awards in 2009.

A much larger 1,800-litre wash still was constructed by Peter Bailey at Knapp-Lewer (Peter's first still - he's since gone on to make over 100 stills) based on the shape of the wash stills at Macallan.

Bill and Lyn eventually moved the operations to a shed in Cambridge (near Frogmore Creek Winery), where there is now a 900 L capacity Spirit Still, as well as the 1,800-litre wash still (as of 2021, the lyne arm, neck and column condenser had been replaced, and the pot was in need of replacing). The original 5 litre still now resides at Killara Distillery with Kristy.

In June 2013, Bill and Lyn sold around 75 per cent of their shares in the Lark business, and not long after, Lark acquired Overeem's stills and maturing whisky stocks. In 2015, publicly listed Australian Whisky Holdings (AWH) gained a controlling interest in Lark. In 2016, AWH purchased a 12 per cent stake in Redlands Distillery (now Old Kempton) and commenced the acquisition of Nant Distillery, whisky stocks and the Nant Estate (Bothwell). In 2018, AWH bought out the remaining shareholders of Lark Distillery and took over full ownership of the business. Australian Whisky Holdings changed its name to Lark Distilling Co. in May 2020. For a more detailed history, OzWhisky Reviews has a very informative article that is well worth a read.

In 2021, Lark Distillery Tasmania produced 80,000 litres of malt spirit at Cambridge using a 1,800L Wash Still (charge is 1,300 to 1,400 litres) and a 900-litre Spirit Still (600-litre charge), as well as the two small stills acquired when Lark purchased Overeem. A column condenser is also on-site for making neutral spirit, used in making Forty Spotted gin.

2022 was a big year for Lark. They celebrated the 30 year anniversary of Lark Distillery, and saw the acquisition of Shene Distillery and Estate (Pontville) by Lark Distilling Co. for $40 million. In addition to the Shene/Pontville Distillery (which has an annual capacity of 193,000 litres), the 40-acre Estate has its own cooperage, warehousing and 483,000 litres of whisky under maturation. The acquisition of Shene/Pontville Distillery brings the number of distilleries owned by Lark Distilling Co to three and their distilling capacity to 576,000 litres per annum.

Lark Distilling Co. is currently upgrading the Pontville site - construction began in 2023 (expected completion end 2025) to replace the existing distillery on the Estate, which will produce 1 million litres per annum once completed.

All of the whisky owned by Lark Distilling Co. (including Nant and Shene) is generally now released under the Lark brand, which has caused a considerable uproar and much debate over the labelling of whisky in Australia. 

Lark Whisky - Signature Collection

Lark Classic Cask

Lark Classic Cask (43% abv) is a very popular single malt whisky from Lark, which has received a number of awards, including Gold at the World Whiskies Awards and the London Spirits Competition in 2022. This whisky is made using Tasmanian barley, double-distilled in locally crafted copper-pot stills, and aged for five to eight years in small, 100-litre oak sherry and port casks. Lark Classic Cask is also available at Cask Strength.

Lark Chinotto Cask

Lark Chinotto Cask is a unique expression of Lark whisky that has been matured in Chinotto barrels, imbuing it with a distinct citrus character. This offering showcases the distillery's creativity and commitment to producing innovative single malt whiskies. The Chinotto II Cask Strength was Amanda's favourite Lark whisky during our tasting at The Still, and not surprisingly, as Chinotto II Cask Strength was the 2023 Single Malt Category Winner at the World Whiskies Awards. While originally released as a limited edition, it has become part of the core range as 'Lark Rebellion' (44% abv).

Lark Tasmanian Peated

Lark Tamanian Peated (46% abv) is quite different to the peated malts you get in Scotland, in that it is smoked with peat after it has already been kiln dried (it starts as unpeated malt). Traditionally you would dry the wet malt with peat smoke at the kiln stage, which results in the smoke being drawn into the grain as it cures. Peat smoking the grain after the kilining process produces a lightly smoked spirit that has more chocolate and earthy roasted coffee notes coming through. Lark Tasmanian Peated is designed to be consumed "however you like it best", whether that be neat, over ice, or perhaps in your favourite whisky cocktail.

Lark Symphony No. 1

Lark Symphony No. 1 (40.2%) is a blended malt whisky, which was crowned the category winner at the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 World Whiskies Awards for Best Blended Malt. "Australia's No.1 Blended Malt" has "sherry cask for sweetness, and fortified for depth. There are notes of other whisky genres in there, too, like bourbon and rye".

Lark Distillery Tours: Pontville Distillery

The Lark Pontville Distillery (76 Shene Rd, Pontville) is a picturesque sister site to Lark Distilling's Cambridge and Bothwell distilleries. It is the only Lark distillery available for tours. Set among meticulously restored historical buildings dating back to the early 1800s, Pontville offers a unique whisky experience. 

The Pontville Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the historic and breathtaking Pontville site, located just thirty minutes north of Hobart. The tour showcases the incredible landscape of the area, allowing guests to experience the fusion of nature and history at this unique location, and includes an exclusive whisky tasting session, where guests sample some of Lark's finest creations. 

Visitors can explore Tasmania's only working whisky village and delve into the rich heritage of Australia's whisky industry, set amongst the meticulously restored historical buildings of Shene Estate. Lark Pontville is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Lark Distillery Cambridge Virtual Tour

Lark Whisky Tastings

The Still

30 Argyle Street, Hobart

The Still is a beautifully designed modern bar and cocktail lounge with an extensive selection of Tasmanian whiskies (including Lark of course!) available to taste. The Still is one of the best venues in Hobart if you want to try a wide selection of locally produced spirits (see image gallery below to see their whisky wall). There is also a retail section where you can purchase Lark's Forty Spotted gins (also available taste) and Lark's core whisky range. You can choose a tasting flight from the menu or do what we did and create your own (price will vary depending on your selection). Tastings (from the menu) do not need to be booked in advance, though you can reserve a table, which we recommend for evenings or on weekends.

The Still is open seven days, from 3 pm to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday and from 3 pm to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Lark Tutored Tasting Flights: Welcome to Whisky & Welcome to Lark

A Lark Tutored Tasting Flight (Welcome to Whisky) is an opportunity to be expertly guided in exploring the unique flavours and qualities of Lark's whiskies. Conducted at The Still, this 45-minute guided whisky tasting is perfect for those new to whisky or who want to learn more about Lark's process. The tasting introduces guests to distillation from grain to glass, highlighting what makes Tasmanian whiskies stand out. Participants will taste three exclusive whiskies straight from the cask, learning to discern the subtle nuances and complex flavours that set these spirits apart. Welcome to Whisky costs $83 ($76 + booking fee) and is available at 1:00 pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Advanced bookings are highly recommended as there is a maximum of 12 persons per session.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1:00 pm, (alternate days to Welcome to Whisky), The Still has a Tutored Tasting Flight for Lark whiskies (Welcome to Lark), where you can learn about the history of Lark distilling and sample four (4) Lark single malt whiskies, including museum releases. Advanced bookings are highly recommended as there is a maximum of 12 persons per session.

Lark Distillery Hobart Cellar Door Tasting

14 Davey St, Hobart

Open daily from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (with extended hours during Dark Mofo), Lark Distillery Hobart Cellar Door offers a more casual, comfy couch-style Lark tasting experience than The Still. The Lark Cellar Door is situated on the Hobart waterfront. It has a wide selection of Lark whiskies to taste or purchase, including an extensive back catalogue of old releases and cellar door exclusives. Unlike The Still, only Lark whiskies are available at the Cellar Door.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a cosy setting for those looking to sample Lark. The friendly staff ensure that beginners and fans are welcome, guiding visitors through various tastings, including their signature single malts.

Tasting bookings are not required, though table reservations are available (highly recommended for weekends or evenings).