LARK Distilling Co. master distiller, Chris Thomson, has been named Master Distiller/Blender of the Year – Rest of the World at the World Whiskies Awards Icons of Whisky. The win rounds out a stellar run for the Australian distillery, with founder Bill Lark appointed an Order of Australia (AM) earlier in the week.
The Rest of the World category spans more than 40 whisky-producing nations, including Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil, recognising distillers working outside the traditional powerhouses of the USA, Scotland and Ireland.
Thomson will now progress as a finalist for the Global Icon of Whisky Award, announced later this year in London.
Thomson said the award was recognition of the “dedication and craftsmanship” of Lark’s distilling and blending team at its new Pontville Distillery.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see our uniquely Tasmanian whiskies so positively received on the world stage,” Thomson said.
“This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for Lark as we prepare to launch new whiskies globally. It’s also the first time these expressions have been entered into competition, making the acknowledgement even more meaningful.”
In March, Lark will unveil a new luxury portfolio of four whisky expressions, designed to elevate the fortified depth, flavour intensity and silky complexity for which the distillery is known. The release will feature a new visual identity and a sculptural redesigned 700ml bottle.