New South Wales based Corowa Distilling Company is expanding its market presence, through an exclusive distribution partnership with Iconic Beverages, and a new whisky collaboration with television personality, Larry Emdur.
The Larry Emdur collaboration whisky – the Ben Buckler Single Malt – is available on shelves this week. The whisky was already on the awards circuit, winning a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition earlier this year. It will be distributed by independent spirits distributors, Iconic Beverages, with an aim to get a strong start in the market.
Iconic Beverages founder and managing director, Dean Terranova, said the company was thrilled to partner with Corowa Distilling Co. as its exclusive distributor in Australia.
“Corowa's commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional spirits to discerning consumers. This partnership not only expands our portfolio but also reinforces our dedication to offering the finest products to our customers.
“Adding the Ben Buckler whisky by Larry Emdur to our portfolio represents an exciting milestone for us. This collaboration embodies the essence of craftsmanship and innovation that defines Corowa Distilling Co. We're thrilled to introduce this exceptional blend to our customers, offering them a unique taste experience curated by one of Australia's beloved TV icons.”
The Ben Buckler collaboration sprung from Larry Emdur’s desire to create his own whisky, a bucket list goal. Emdur said he didn’t want to create a whisky to win awards in competition, but to share it with his family and friends at his 60th birthday party.
The whisky is named after Sydney suburb, Ben Buckler, where Emdur grew up, and combines ex tawny port and bourbon barrels to create a single malt whisky that is described as approachably sweet with a deliciously savoury character.
“Ben Buckler was my home and remains my 'happy place'. I've lived on all three streets of Ben Buckler, I learnt to swim in the famous baby's pool there, I grew up there and I have enough memories around those cliffs to fill a bottle or two,” said Emdur.
“This whisky? It's my liquid autobiography! Some ideas are ridiculous, some are fun, some are cool, and I reckon having my own whisky is a blend of all three.”
The project has been in the works since Emdur first visited Corowa Distilling Co in 2020, and the Ben Buckler was developed by Corowa master distiller, Beau Schilg.
Corowa Distilling Co managing director, Dean Druce, said that the opportunity to work on an affordable and attainable single malt whisky with Emdur had been so exciting for the team.
"Larry has been extremely hands-on every step of this project from day one. He came in with a clear vision of how he wanted his whisky to taste, often diverging from our own ideas. But that's the beauty of our collaboration—it's built on mutual respect and a shared passion for crafting something truly exceptional.
The Ben Buckler is available online at corowadistilling.com.au and at select liquor stores for RRP $95.
