Discover the Spirit of the Southwest with Black Cockatoo Distillery

Embark on a journey into the heart of Western Australia's southwest with Rachel Galvin, the driving force behind Black Cockatoo Distillery. A small but passionate business born out of a love for gin and a deep connection to the region's environment.

Slated to attend our next Perth Makers Market event, we sat down with the team to discover their journey from backyard botanicals to award-winning gin.

The Recipe For Perfection

The inception of Black Cockatoo Distillery was a blend of Pete's gin fascination and Rachel's love for the Southwest's environment. Their journey led to handcrafted gins, each capturing the essence of the region.

The distillation process, led by Master Distiller Pete, combines traditional methods with native botanicals, creating gins to be cherished. The gin is produced in small batches using the traditional vapour infusion method. A slow, gentle distillation process ensures the local flavours emerge resulting in a high quality gin that goes down smoothly.

Supporting Sustainability

Embedded in the ethos of Black Cockatoo Distillery is a genuine commitment to looking after the environment. When customers choose Black Cockatoo Distillery, they're not just getting a fantastic gin – they're also playing a part in preserving a unique slice of Southwest Australia's natural beauty. The team believes it's their responsibility to give back to the land that provides the incredible ingredients for their gin, ensuring that the wildlife and forests they adore remain for future generations to enjoy.

To make this commitment a reality, Black Cockatoo Distillery donates 10% of its profits to Karaakin. The team is proud to support their cause as they do important work in conserving endangered black cockatoo species. The Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre in Perth is a vital player in rehabilitating these magnificent birds.

But it doesn't stop there. The team is serious about sustainability in every sip. From collecting rainwater to carefully composting their botanicals, they're on a mission to keep their environmental impact as light as a juniper berry. And hey, if customers bring back an empty bottle, the team is thrilled to give them a $5 discount at their market stalls – their way of saying cheers for being a part of the journey and helping them take care of this wonderful place they call home.

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, and the accolades speak volumes.

Black Cockatoo 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.

Towards New Horizons

Having recently moved to Bridgetown, Black Cockatoo Distillery has exciting plans for the future. A tasting room is on the horizon, inviting enthusiasts to share in the love for gin and the southwest.

In the meantime, they’re taking their gins around the market circuit to spread the word and build the Black Cockatoo community.

When asked about what Rachel loves about the market scene, she replied with: “Everything! From supportive stallholders to enthusiastic customers, the bustling market atmosphere is a testament to the camaraderie and cheerfulness of those involved”.

Visit Them at Perth Makers Market

You can sample Black Cockatoo Distillery for yourself at the next Perth Makers Market event on Sunday, 31 March from 9.30am to 3.30pm at Goolugatup Heathcote in Applecross.

Whether you're a gin connoisseur or simply appreciate small-batch craftsmanship, Black Cockatoo Distillery welcomes you to join their journey. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram or explore their unique gins on their website.

As you raise your glass, remember that each sip is not just a celebration of craftsmanship but also a contribution to the conservation of Australia's unique wildlife.