Killara Distillery

About the distillery

Killara Distillery is located in Richmond, Tasmania, in the middle of Coal Valley, and is a small distillery focused on single malt whisky, gin, and other spirits. The site is closely connected to modern Australian whisky history through the Lark family, but it also has its own identity, with local raw materials, a strong focus on craftsmanship, and a custom-built copper pot still, which helps shape the house style.

History

The name Killara is a direct nod to Bill and Lyn Lark, who kick-started the modern whisky industry in Australia in 1992. The name was chosen as a reference to the street where the first modern distillery was registered. For Kristy Booth-Lark, the project is also personal: she is the second generation in the family and has more than 18 years of experience from the distilling industry, including as head distiller and general manager at Lark Distillery. After the years with Lark, she chose to go her own way and continue the family tradition of handcrafted spirits. Today, Killara appears as an established Tasmanian distillery that draws lines back to the older whisky heritage in Hobart while also working with contemporary, locally rooted production.

Raw materials and production

Killara works with premium, handcrafted spirits and especially highlights single malt whisky as part of its range. The production’s most distinct feature is an unusual 600-liter copper pot still, which is specially designed and built in Hobart by Aircon Industries. The still differs in that the condenser sits at the top instead of out on the side, and this solution is described as helping create the distillery’s soft, characterful spirits. The distillery also emphasizes using locally sourced ingredients from Tasmania and collaborating with small, like-minded businesses. This gives the production a clear local framework, where raw materials, craftsmanship, and community are closely intertwined.

Whiskies

The range includes whisky, Apothecary Gin, and liqueurs, but the provided pages do not include a detailed product list for the whisky. What is clear is the ambition to produce premium, handcrafted spirits and a whisky production closely tied to Tasmania’s raw materials and the distillery’s distinctive style. For whisky lovers, it means a house with a clear family history and a focus on small-scale quality rather than a large, anonymous program.

Visit the distillery

Killara can be visited in Richmond, where the distillery, cellar door, and Apothecary Gardens welcome guests. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11:00–16:00, and other times can be arranged as needed. Closed on public holidays. The visit can be combined with a private whisky experience, which can be booked, and there is both a shop and the option to buy the distillery’s products online. This makes the place an obvious stop for guests who want to experience both the whisky and the environment in which it is created.

The stated opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11:00–16:00. Other times by appointment. Closed on public holidays.
See times and book a visit.

Philosophy and craftsmanship

Killara is built on a clear family idea: to carry forward an Australian whisky heritage with locally sourced ingredients, craftsmanship, and collaboration with small businesses. The distillery describes its approach as exceptionally handcrafted spirit “from Garden to Glass,” and that wording fits well with the way the place works. Here, it’s not only the product, but also the origin of the raw materials and local connections that form part of the identity.