Black Cockatoo Distillery: Crafting Gin with a Purpose

Rachel Galvin is the driving force behind Black Cockatoo Distillery, a small but passionate business nestled in the heart of Western Australia's southwest.

Inspired by a love for gin and a deep connection to the region's environment. Rachel alongside her partner Pete, embarked on a journey to create something truly unique. We sat down with the pair to get to know more about their journey, and the inspiration behind their unique products.

How It All Began

Pete's fascination with gin and Rachel's love for the Southwest landscape sparked the idea for Black Cockatoo Distillery. Their vision? To craft gin infused with the essence of the region's native botanicals while contributing to the conservation of its unique wildlife.

Each gin captures a different flavour of the southwest; these are gins to be savoured and enjoyed by those who seek a lovingly crafted gin.

Crafting Excellence

At Black Cockatoo Distillery, every bottle of gin is a labour of love. Handcrafted by Master Distiller Pete on the edge of the Blackwood Forest, each batch is meticulously produced using the traditional vapour infusion method in a copper sill. A slow, gentle distillation process ensures a high quality gin that heroes native and botanical ingredients.

The native ingredients used in their range are sourced from Mark and the team at Tucker Bush in the Perth Hills. Tucker Bush are a local grower of Australian Native edibles who are passionate about Australian species and helping young people connect to their food and its supply. All their produce is grown organically and they currently supply restaurants such as Wildflower, Mandoon Estate, Mother Fremantle and Will Street with their fresh produce.

If you love the pink colour of their Bush Berry Gin, then that’s Mark’s rosella flowers at work.  The citrus comes from their own trees, and Rachel’s sister, Mary, harvests her lilly pillys for the Bush Berry Gin.

Supporting Sustainability

Black Cockatoo Distillery is committed to environmental responsibility. That's why 10% of their profits go towards supporting Karaakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, an organisation dedicated to the conservation of endangered black cockatoo species.

Rachel and Pete insist their business is more than just crafting gin, it's about preserving the precious environment of the Southwest of Australia for future generations to enjoy. Plus, they're constantly striving to be more sustainable, from harvesting rainwater to composting the botanicals.

Celebrating Success

The accolades speak volumes for Black Cockatoo. The distillery's Desert Lime and Signature gins have garnered international recognition from winning silver at prestigious competitions like the World Gin Awards in London and the New York Gin Awards.

Balancing Passion with Purpose

What started as a passion project has evolved into a full-time endeavour for Rachel, who manages the business while Pete continues to experiment with recipes and run the still. Despite the challenges of running a small business, they remain committed to their dream.

Looking Ahead

With their recent move to Bridgetown and plans to open a tasting room in the near future, the journey for Black Cockatoo Distillery is just beginning. Rachel and Pete are excited to share their love for gin and the Southwest with even more enthusiasts.

Whether you're a gin connoisseur or simply appreciate the beauty of small-batch craftsmanship, Black Cockatoo Distillery invites you to join them on their journey.

You can find them at our upcoming Perth Upmarket event on Sunday 24th March from 10am - 4pm at UWA. Plus, if you have an empty bottle, you can bring it back to receive $5 off your new purchase!

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website to explore their range of unique gins and learn more about their story.