If South Australia’s award-winning Kangaroo Island Spirits isn’t on your radar yet, it will be soon, courtesy of a massive new distillery development that looks set to make it one of Australia’s biggest distillery destinations.

A new era is dawning for the Australian contemporary gin pioneers, with the unveiling of a $3 million “masterplan development”  for Kangaroo Island Distillery, which will offer an immersive experience, creating “a world-class distillery and a must-see tourism destination” for Kangaroo Island from Spring 2021.

From humble origins in a homely, ramshackle Kangaroo Island shed back in 2004, Jon and Sarah Lark have grown, creating an international reputation for Kangaroo Island Spirits, and bagging awards like Best Contemporary Gin at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London; the only Australian brand to do so in its 50-year history.

The new development promises to be a testament to their work, while also fostering the progress of Australian gin. Naturally, the development will also provide a big tourism boost for Kangaroo Island, which is still recovering after the devastating bushfires that decimated this world-renowned food and drink destination in 2019 and early 2020.

Beyond tourism, the new development will increase distillery capacity for both domestic and export markets, with the installation of a third still that will maximise current gin and vodka production as well as create a home for their yet-to-be released single malt whisky; a first for Kangaroo Island, if not the Lark family. (For those who are unaware: Jon Lark, is the brother of Bill Lark, who is often referred to as “the father of Australian whisky.”)

The development also includes plans to transform the existing cellar door, which will offer KIS spirits and cocktails in a native botanical garden, which is already home to over 75 native species including Native Juniper, Coastal Daisy Bush, Anise Myrtle, and Lemon Myrtle, all of which are currently in-use for the distillery’s iconic botanically-focused gin varieties.

“This will enable us to offer more educational and interactive experiences… (including opportunities for visitors) to learn the art of gin making and creating cocktails from our KIS range in the new space,” says Sarah Lark.

“It will add to the brand offering we have built over the past 15 years and will improve our ability to make our beautiful products, it will also enable us to welcome more visitors to experience our island hospitality,” noted John Lark.

Kangaroo Island Spirits was bought by the industry-leading Founders First in March 2020, a company renowned for its extensive experience supporting and growing businesses in the independent craft drinks industry.

We are thrilled that Jon and Sarah will both continue as Chief Distillers and Brand Ambassadors… we are especially excited about the release of the island’s first whisky (which is) made using local malt and aged in port barrels, it will be available on very limited release later in the year.”

Stage two of the development promises even more exciting things for KI. It will introduce a commercial kitchen and yet-to-be-confirmed plans for overnight accommodation. Stay up to date at kispirits.com.au