Cape Byron Distillery, producers of Brookie’s Byron Gin, was awarded international ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at the recent Icons of Gin Awards 2020 in London.
The Icons of Gin celebrates the international best of producers, bars and retailers and those taking the coveted top spots are chosen for showing particular dedication and drive, taking not just their companies, but the industry to another level.
Eddie Brook, Co-founder & CEO of Cape Byron Distillery comments “We were absolutely stoked to hear the news! We have picked up a few awards along our journey, however the Icons of Gin’s ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ holds an extremely special place in our hearts. Sustainability and having a positive impact on our environment flows through our family and the company’s veins and is implemented in every part of our business, hence why the team was so excited to receive this award”.
Alex McManus, Cape Byron Distillery’s Sustainability Officer adds “The distillery has achieved some amazing milestones on our sustainability journey. All 25 botanicals along with the spent wash from Gin and Whisky production are composted onsite in a closed-loop system. This not only reduces our waste to landfill, but once complete is used to build soil structure and biodiversity throughout our regenerated rainforest and macadamia orchard. In addition, we have also diverted over 120kg of soft plastics from landfill over the last four months. Sustainability is an ever-evolving process to improve our impact on the environment and our community. Within the next 12 months we have projects to implement solar power for over 90% of our energy needs, implement innovative heat- recovery solutions, a new eco-storage whisky warehouse and we are also on the exciting journey towards B-Corp certification”.
The farm is a thriving ecosystem due to the family’s regeneration effort over the last 30 years, planting over 35,000 native subtropical rainforest trees. The distillery, perched in the heart of the farm, offers a unique experience for visitors to the region, providing a guided tour of the rainforest, an expertly-led tasting of their spirits inspired by the Big Scrub and an insight into the art of distillation. The tour aims to educate visitors on the importance of the Big Scrub rainforest, the journey of rainforest regeneration and the vast array of indigenous rainforest foods that are grown in the Northern Rivers.
Eddie Brook concludes “If we can build a thriving business and produce exceptional spirits whilst having a positive impact on the community & environment, then we can hold our heads up high”.
Cape Byron Distillery’s range of Brookie’s Gin and macadamia liqueur is currently available online www.capebyrondistillery.com , in premium bars, restaurants and independent retailer outlets throughout Australia and the UK.