Stuart Gregor of Four Pillars Gin in Victoria is the new president of The Australian Distillers Association (ADA), the peak industry body for Australia’s craft distillers.
Gregor, who will replace Tasmanian whisky pioneer, Bill Lark, paid tribute to the outgoing president.
“Without Bill, the Australian craft distilling movement would not exist – it’s as simple as that. Bill has led this Association and our industry with distinction and vigour,” Gregor said.
“We owe him a very serious drink and an eternity of thanks. Bill is proof positive that one man with vision and passion can achieve truly remarkable things. And we are all proud to follow in his footsteps.”
According to the ADA, there are now around 50 operating distilleries throughout Australia, many of which are making some of the finest spirits in the world, and it will also renew its commitment to strengthen the burgeoning sector, with a chief goal of talking to the Federal Government about the excise placed on spirits Australia.
“Australian distillers are rightfully recognised as some of the best in the world, but because of an overly burdensome excise regime we are being priced out of the Australian market to the benefit of our overseas, mass produced competition,” Gregor said.
“Today a single standard 30mL nip of spirits attracts a MINIMUM excise of $1. In the USA that figure is closer to 10c . . . so little wonder your cocktails or mixed drinks are so expensive in Australia.
“Our smaller brewing and wine-making mates all enjoy the benefits of generous excise and tax rebates – while small distillers are forced to compete with a huge tax monkey on our back,” Gregor said. “We don’t want the monkey no more.”
The ADA will also hold a conference on Wednesday 12 November in Melbourne to discuss its future plans and hear from a range of speakers from government, economics, hospitality and marketing.
The Australian Distillers Association's new president Stuart Gregor of Four Pillars Gin in Victoria.
