Planning A Trip to Tassie? Add These Whisky-Fuelled Experiences To Your List
The Still and Pontville Distillery offer both charming history and a glimpse into Tasmania's new wave of whisky.
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Tasmania has long been a pilgrimage for nature lovers, cold-weather chasers and anyone who thinks a weekend away should always involve at least one decent bakery. In recent years, it's also become a destination for whisky lovers.
Given Australia's tropical to subtropical climate, whisky distilling has often been left to the pros in the Scottish Highlands. There was a brief flirtation with distilling spirits in the cooler climate of Tasmania during the 1800s, before Governor John Franklin outlawed the practice. But in 1992, the Lark family created the first Australian distillery to produce single malt whisky in 154 years, firmly rekindling Tasmania's love affair with the spirit.
Now, Tasmania is the home of Australia's new whisky scene, and LARK Distillery is leading the charge. Whether you're heading to Hobart for a laidback long weekend or are island hopping for a while longer, LARK's whisky-fuelled experiences should be added to any itinerary. Here's what you can expect when visiting the home of Tasmania's thriving whisky scene.
The Still
The Still, Hobart
Located in the heart of the city on Argyle Street, The Still is LARK's modern whisky bar. By day, the sleek yet warm flagship store is used as a retail space and tasting room for travellers wanting to learn more about Tasmania's whisky industry.
During the 45-minute tasting experience, guests learn the story of LARK (from the fishing trip that began it all to its latest releases), and can enjoy a curated tasting of LARK's single malt whiskies. Guests will also receive a 10 percent discount on any bottles, so you can enjoy a taste of Tassie once you get home.
If gin is more to your taste, The Still also offers a two-hour gin-making masterclass. Guests will receive a first-hand look behind the process of crafting native gin under the guidance of LARK's professors, who have created the award-winning Forty Spotted gin. During the booking, guests can explore the world of botanicals, try a refreshing native gin and tonic, learn about the history of the spirit, and even create their own Tasmanian gin as a souvenir.
The Still
Once the sun begins to set, The Still turns into a cocktail lounge and bustling bar. With its cosy booths, elevated food menu, and knowledgeable staff, even those less into whisky will be able to get out of their comfort zones and enjoy the spirit. Whether it's a tasting flight of impressive local whiskies from across the state, or a LARK whisky and soda, it's easy to spend a whole evening lapping up the atmosphere of The Still. You can try your luck at a walk-in or make a reservation to avoid missing out on a bucket list whisky experience.
Pontville Distillery
Pontville Distillery
Thirty minutes' drive north of The Still, you'll find LARK's Pontville Distillery. Set amongst historical buildings, the Pontville Distillery is Tasmania's only working whisky village and offers visitors the chance to explore how LARK crafts its award-winning spirits.
Its production and site tour is the closest you'll get to stepping inside Tasmania's whisky origin story. During the 45-minute tour, guests are guided through the distillery to learn how the spirit is made, as well as discover the secrets behind single malt whisky and the story of LARK's beginnings. Enjoy four tastings along the way, and take in the atmospheric surrounds of the historic estate. The tours run every day at both 12pm and 2pm, so be sure to book in a spot on your next Tasmanian trip.
Pontville Distillery
Between the sleek, design-driven interiors of The Still in Hobart and the rustic, historic beauty of Pontville Distillery, LARK's venues offer two quintessentially Tasmanian whisky experiences. Whether you're a tourist on a long weekend or are looking for a local team bonding experience, you'll be planning your next trip before you've polished off your last dram.
Book a table for you, your team, family or friends for dinner, drinks or a guided tasting experience at The Still.
Book a spot for you, your team, family or friends on a guided whisky tour at LARK's Pontville Distillery.
Lead image credit: Lark Distillery
