Discover the Spirit of the Southwest with Black Cockatoo Distillery

At Black Cockatoo Distillery, the journey is just as important as the destination. Founded by Pete and Rachel Galvin, this family-owned distillery, nestled in the heart of the Southwest of Western Australia, is more than just a gin producer – it’s a tribute to the land, its flavours, and its wildlife. With the perfect balance of Rachel’s passion for environmental conservation and Pete’s obsession with gin, Black Cockatoo Distillery was born, blending local botanicals with a deep respect for the environment.

A Journey of Crafting Place in Every Bottle

The idea behind Black Cockatoo Distillery took flight from Pete’s love for gin and Rachel’s dedication to preserving the natural world around them. Pete, always intrigued by the concept of place, decided to create a gin that reflected the unique native botanicals of Western Australia. Meanwhile, Rachel’s desire to protect the region’s native fauna tied perfectly into the distillery’s mission. Together, they’ve crafted something truly special: a gin that not only tastes exceptional but also tells a story of the Southwest’s rich and diverse ecosystem.

Each bottle of gin produced by Black Cockatoo Distillery is an ode to the stunning landscapes of the region. From their Bush Berry Gin, featuring Mark’s rosella flowers from Tucker Bush, to their Desert Lime Gin, every drop is infused with the essence of native plants, carefully sourced to ensure the highest quality and flavour. With ingredients like citrus and lilly pilly from their own trees, Rachel and Pete are committed to keeping food miles low and sustainability high.

“We want our gin to reflect the environment it comes from,” says Rachel. “That’s why we put so much care into sourcing our botanicals and why we’re so passionate about crafting something that people can savour and appreciate.”

Award-Winning Flavours with a Purpose

Black Cockatoo Distillery’s dedication to quality and sustainability hasn’t gone unnoticed. Their Desert Lime Gin recently won its fourth award in just two years, taking home silver at the prestigious Perth Royal Show. This recognition isn’t just about producing a great-tasting gin; for Rachel and Pete, it’s about showcasing the unique flavours of their home region and proving that local ingredients can compete on a global stage.

“Our Desert Lime Gin has become a customer favourite, especially in the summer months,” Rachel explains. “It’s refreshing and slightly different, and it’s really rewarding to see people coming back for more. The support from our community and the wider industry has been incredible. It’s a recognition of what we can achieve when we work together.”

The distillery’s success is also a testament to the collaborative nature of the industry in Western Australia. Rachel and Pete have been amazed at how willing others are to share their knowledge and expertise, raising the bar for everyone in the state’s growing distilling scene.

A Business with Heart and Soul

For Rachel and Pete, Black Cockatoo Distillery is more than just a business – it’s a lifestyle. While Pete juggles his role as a consultant distiller with a full-time job at a university, Rachel dedicates herself to the day-to-day running of the distillery. From organising markets to managing stock and staff, there’s always something to be done. But despite the long hours, the couple finds immense joy in meeting new customers, reconnecting with returning fans, and sharing their love for gin with others.

“There’s nothing quite like sitting on our deck at the end of the day, sipping a gin and tonic that we’ve crafted ourselves,” Rachel says. “It makes all the hard work worth it.”

Sustainability at the Core

At Black Cockatoo Distillery, sustainability is woven into every aspect of the business. The couple believes that they have a responsibility to protect the environment that provides the ingredients for their gin. That’s why they’ve committed to donating 10% of all profits to Karaakin, an organisation dedicated to creating a sustainable future for the endangered black cockatoo species.

In addition to supporting conservation efforts, Black Cockatoo Distillery takes practical steps to minimise its environmental impact. Customers who return empty bottles at market events receive $5 off their next purchase, and at their new premises, rainwater will be harvested to cool the still and then recycled for reuse. Even the botanicals used in the distilling process are composted, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Looking Ahead: New Products and a New Tasting Room

The future is bright for Black Cockatoo Distillery. With plans to launch exciting new products, including a Mandarin Gin Liqueur, Limoncello, and Vodka, there’s plenty for gin enthusiasts to look forward to. Early 2025 will also see the opening of a new tasting room, complete with a gallery space for local artists to exhibit their work and perform.

“We can’t wait to welcome people to our new tasting room,” Rachel shares. “It’s going to be a beautiful space where people can not only sample our gins but also immerse themselves in the culture and creativity of the Southwest.”

Join Us at the November Upmarket

On November 17th, 2024, Black Cockatoo Distillery will be attending Perth Upmarket where visitors can explore their full range of products and even take home a free G&T stainless steel keep cup with any purchase. Perfect for summer picnics at the beach, it’s a small token of appreciation for the incredible support they’ve received from the community.

“We love being a part of these markets,” Rachel says. “It’s a chance to meet so many talented and passionate people and to be surrounded by creativity.”

If you’re a gin lover or just curious to taste the flavours of the Southwest, make sure to stop by and experience the unique offerings of Black Cockatoo Distillery. For more information, visit their website, Facebook, or follow them on Instagram.

With every sip, you’re supporting local craftsmanship, sustainability, and the protection of Western Australia’s beautiful black cockatoos. Cheers to that!