There are only about 20 in Australia and Kis is the only one in SA.

Jon Lark’s brother Bill started the industry with his single malt whiskey distillery in Tasmania about 10 years ago but he had to get Federal laws changed to do it.

“Bill’s the grandfather of the industry really,” says Jon.

Jon and Sarah Lark have quietly launched their venture on the road to the Playford Highway at Cygnet River and now have regular visitors dropping in.

Kis has five products so far – Lime, Anisette, Honey and Strawberry liqueurs, as well as a non-alcoholic lemon cordial, which is proving extremely popular. Honey, and fennel for the Anisette, are sourced locally and the rest of the ingredients are from SA. Kis aims to source local lemons to produce its Limoncello liqueur.

The Larks moved to Kangaroo Island five years ago and have big plans for their business. Jon has a meeting with Hilton head chef and TV personality Simon Bryant this week as well as East End Cellars and Icons at the Adelaide Airport.

On the island their products are available at their cellar door and at Cellarbrations in Penneshaw.

The liqueurs are used for cocktails and decadent desserts. Try the Strawberry with some sparkling white wine, pour the Honey over some locally-made honey icecream. The Lime sits well with tonic water and ice or in the Kis Lime cocktail (recipe at right).

The liqueurs are from mostly traditional recipes and intuition, with some distilled and others compounded.

“It’s definitely a niche market but already we are getting some really positive feedback from visitors,” Jon said.

The cellar door is open for tastings from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday and other times by phoning ahead.