The fifth inductee into the Australian distillers Hall of Fame, is a person of great integrity and quiet standing. This person shies away from acknowledgement or public recognition of their work. Which I think is testament to their great sense of humbleness.
Of course, writing a speech like this, requires one to do some research and examine the public record. My search for this individual does not reveal anywhere near the achievements or contribution to the Australian distilling industry over 2 decades.
Executive summary - person 1 - This person is feisty, honourable, and is of great intellect and wisdom. At the same time, remaining, incredibly good-humoured and smart witted.
As I mentioned, super quiet in the public eye, I had to dig deep and go “private eye” to get a full understanding of the role they played.
This inductee into the Hall of Fame, has held some of the most significant distilling roles in the industry, and has worked at some of the most recognisable names in Australian Distilling. In my view their role has, up to this point, been massively understated and under recognised.
Today we attend to that.
I am, of course, referring to Lyn Lark.
When Lark Distillery was licensed in 1992. Bill Lark, a legend in his own right, was surveying full time. Lyn was doing all of the distilling work at Lark. Yes folks, The first distiller in the modern Australian distilling renaissance was - a woman. Lyn single-handedly and in a brave new world, where there was no one local to talk to, developed all of the Lark stable of botanical spirits. The first use of native botanicals, into an Australian distilled spirit. the Tasmanian native pepper berry, - But not King Island Kelp, so I hear.
Everyone who now incorporates Australian botanicals into their product, owes Lyn a tip of their hat. I say, every time you see her.
In 1995 Sullivans Cove employed Lyn as distiller. I have it on good authority Lyn was the first full time distiller at Sullivans Cove.
At this time Lyn would have to deal with 5 wash and 2 spirit runs a week. A fair weeks work for 2 stills. But Lyn was doing this in 1 still and 4 days a week. 7 runs in 4 days.
All the modern distillers in the room - you need to lift your game. Lyn worked 24 hours a day for 4 days every week with Bill popping in after work (illicitly) to cover the stills while Lyn went home for a shower and a meal. I searched my mind for a word to describe Lyn’s work ethic, and I can only think of one - superhuman.
Beyond this, I know Lyn is not afraid to ‘stick it to the man’. And I would say, don’t mess with Lyn. I heard a story from someone overhearing Lyn dealing with a public servant, who was chasing Lyn for confidential information. You know, like turn over and financials, to be anonymised and made public. When you’re the only distillery, that’s not going to be very confidential. So my informant tells me, Lyn bins these stat reports.
Of course, the Call comes to tell Lyn to complete the stats form. Obviously that call got a bit heated as Lyn gets threatened with Jail as a possible consequence if she doesn’t comply. In quick reply, Lyn’s retort was ‘you do that, you’ll make my day, I want a holiday.’
Lyn has helped a lot of people develop gin recipes. The Best words of advice Lyn gave me - which I have passed onto many, was - If you like it and you’re proud of it, People will believe you.
The Bush Liqueur that was first released at the Deloraine Craft Fair in 1996 (I hear that was also the night that Jack was conceived - But I had nothing to do with that). at that time all the bottles were hand dipped in wax and had a ribbon seal that took agesssss to apply. Who’s been there? I have.
That started a yearly pilgrimage to the craft fair for 20 years.
Let’s not forget, Lyn was also a mother this whole time.
Character - I asked for Family views and was told Lyn is a massive support to Bill and enables his crazy ideas. I heard Lyn would probably have been fined for moonshining or bootlegging, but Bill wanted to do things right and get a license, so Lyn made sure it worked out properly!
Undoubtedly, Lyn was the backbone that held everything together and was equally part of the team along with Bill.
Lyn has now turned her hand to non-alcohol distillation, and has planted heaps of damask roses at Killara, her daughter Kristy’s estate, and late last year would go in at 6am and pick the roses then spend all day distilling them for oil and hydrosol. She did that for the whole of the flower season. You’ll be pleased to know she has her still registered!
So, Lyn hasn’t quite left the industry but is quietly pursuing other aspects of it.
In acknowledgement of the black dog talk yesterday, and the need to have outside interests - let’s not forget Lyn is also an amazing grandmother to 5 grandkids, knitting up a storm for them and showering them with all the Granny love.