Larry Emdur’s Australian whisky brand The Ben Buckler has named former Lyre’s and Sullivans Cove executive Kristy Bloomfield as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. The appointment signals a major growth phase for the multi-award-winning brand, which is preparing a capital raise and international expansion.
Founded by Australian television personality Larry Emdur as a personal passion project for his 60th birthday, The Ben Buckler has evolved into one of Australia’s fastest-growing contemporary whisky brands.
Bloomfield joins from Sullivans Cove Distillery, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to that, she held the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer at Lyre’s Spirit Co, where she helped lead the Australian-founded business to become the world’s number-one best-selling and trending non-alcoholic spirits brand, according to Drinks International in 2024.
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READ THE STORYThe brand has secured national distribution through Paramount Liquor and ALM Connect. Premium placements span leading venues in Sydney and Melbourne, alongside retail ranging including Heinemann Duty Free, where initial allocations sold out rapidly.
Internationally, The Ben Buckler has earned four Gold medals across global spirits competitions in San Francisco, New York, Asia, and China.
“I originally just wanted to make 60 bottles of whisky for 60 mates for my 60th birthday,” said Emdur. “It was never supposed to become a business — it was genuinely just a fun thing to do with friends. Then suddenly people started asking where they could buy it, venues wanted to stock it, and before we knew it, this little side project had completely taken on a life of its own.”
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Emdur said the response has exceeded every expectation. “The momentum behind The Ben Buckler has honestly been incredible. People have connected with it because it feels authentic and ‘seriously’ unpretentious. We’re very proud that something which started so organically has now become a genuinely respected Australian whisky brand.”
The brand draws its name and identity from the iconic Bondi headland, combining a modern Australian coastal aesthetic with award-winning craft distilling.
“Kristy is an exceptional operator with a phenomenal track record building global brands,” said Emdur. “She understands premium consumer businesses at the very highest level and knows how to scale brands internationally while still protecting what makes them special. Bringing her into the business is a huge moment for us.”
Bloomfield described the brand’s appeal as rooted in genuine storytelling. “What Larry has created is incredibly genuine,” she said. “The Ben Buckler doesn’t feel manufactured or overly corporate. It began with a brilliant narrative and a real passion for creating something to build connection and sociability between mates. That authenticity is incredibly powerful, particularly in today’s premium spirits landscape.”
She added that the foundations are already strong. “The brand already has exceptional foundations — from the product itself to the consumer engagement around it. The opportunity now is to scale that thoughtfully and strategically both within Australia and internationally. The Ben Buckler will recruit the next generation into the whisky category, becoming one of Australia’s most aspirational brands.”
The company is currently preparing for a capital raise as it expands domestic distribution, strengthens export opportunities, and builds broader presence across premium hospitality and retail channels.
Australia’s whisky sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the country now home to more than 300 distilleries. Australian producers have increasingly gained international recognition, with brands such as Starward, Archie Rose, and Sullivans Cove earning accolades at major global competitions. The Ben Buckler’s expansion plans position it within this broader momentum as Australian whisky continues to command attention on the world stage.
