The third Saturday in May each year marks World Whisky Day (although it could easily be world ‘whiskey’ day, since all whiskies are celebrated). Launched in 2012, it’s now a global phenomenon with various events taking place across Australia.
Among it all this year will be the Australian Whisky Embassy launching their first gathering, a new social club dedicated to celebrating and exploring Australian whisky, with direct access to the master distillers behind it.
The one-night-only event takes place this Saturday 17th May at Bar Tilda in Sydney, with whisky expert Bill Lark and Lark Distillery. Bar Tilda has quietly gathered a pretty exceptional whisky program, anchored by The Whisky Armoire—a glowing golden cabinet housing more than 100 local whiskies.
The collection spans rare gems from the 1990s and 2000s, prized first editions, and standout contemporary releases, including bottlings from Sullivan’s Cove, Smith’s Angaston, and the Starward vault. Lark will be joined by Head Distiller Mark Hickey and Jason Williams of House Made Hospitality for an evening of storytelling, canapés, and guided tastings of five Lark whiskies, including the Dark Lark. Tickets are $120, or $180 with a take-home bottle signed by Lark himself.
Expect a Lark highball on arrival, a mini Manhattan with Lark chinotto, and plenty of chances to chat with the godfather of Australian whisky. Details on how to be part of the Australian Whisky Embassy will be announced soon, we’re told.
Meanwhile in Melbourne near the South Melbourne market, the Casa de Vinos lounge will be hosting a World Whisky Day Mini Festival between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 17th May. A $15 ticket includes a take-home whisky glass and a whisky passport, access to six tastings from distilleries including the Scottish island of Islay’s Bruichladdich Distillery, showcasing Port Charlotte and Octomore, plus Hellyers Road, pouring some outstanding Tasmanian drams, Chichibu and Kanosuke bringing a taste of Japanese craft whisky and a curated Casa de Vinos selection of independent bottlings from around the world.
Across in Ballarat, Kilderkin Distillery are stretching the day out across four days. Between Thursday 15th and Sunday 18th May, Masterchef Tim Bone has created whisky-infused pulled pork sliders, served with slaw, pretzels, and Kilderkin’s special Goldfields Single Malt Whisky sauce.
More details around the Australian Whisky Embassy will follow when details are revealed.
Photography by Jason Lucas and Lark.
