Joe Dinsmoor

As head distiller and production manager, I develop and oversee the creation of single malt whisky, four house-styles of gin, vodka and coffee liqueur. The role of head distiller also means working with third parties to develop products for contract distilling portfolios, conducting distillery tours, attending trade events, engaging with media and assisting with marketing and sales. My responsibilities as production manager involve planning and executing product production and forecasting, ordering and maintaining supplier relationships, inbound and outbound stock control, OH&S implementation and staff training.

I joined the Forty Spotted Gin team to oversee the expansion of the gin brand of Lark Distillery. This involved ordering key pieces of equipment including stills, boilers and utilities. I undertook product research and development, in addition to completing product strategy for the new brand.

From the inception of the company, I created a portfolio of high-quality spirits, such as gin, vodka, single malt and rye whisky. Many of these products attracted numerous international and domestic awards. My focus on streamlining and innovating the production process through experimentation and research, resulted in higher efficiency in the brew house, more yield in the spirit, as well as a more robust flavour. I gained essential warehouse experience (i.e. forklifting and logistical management), presented at trade events and master classes and coordinated staffing and staff training.

When I was 15, I began bottling at Lark Distillery on weekends and during school holidays. It was here I started to develop skills in distilling. I held the position of second-in-command brewer and distiller for over three years, and I was responsible for the production of over 300 barrels and the development and blending of special releases, such as Lark Distillery’s 20th Anniversary Whisky.