Female-owned distillery launches crowdfunding campaign

BIRDS of Isle distillery at South Murwillumbah has launched a crowdfunding campaign to expand into Brisbane and beyond.

The founders of the female-owned premium rum brand hope to raise $450,000 via Australian equity crowdfunding platform Birchal, with the money also going towards building its direct-to-consumer sales.

Birds of Isle co-founder Chanel Melani said the move gave investors an opportunity to support a pioneering, female-led spirits brand.

“We’re proud to drive change in a male-dominated industry and hope to inspire others to dream big and push boundaries,” she said.

Melani founded the distillery with her partner Sally Carter, working closely with Bundjalung chef and cultural advisor Mindy Woods to learn first-hand about the bunya nut to ensure a respectful representation of the native ingredient in their first offering, Bunya Nut Rum.

The move inspired them to incorporate smoke into the spirit, giving it a depth of flavour more commonly associated with whisky.

The rum is available at select venues throughout the Northern Rivers region, including Pipit at Pottsville and Elements of Byron resort in Byron Bay, as well as acclaimed Sydney restaurants NOMAD and Bennelong.

Birds of Isle is one of a growing number of distilleries in the region. Others include Husk Farm Distillery at South Tumbulgum, Lord Byron Distillery in Byron Bay, Cape Byron Distillery at McLeods Shoot, Winding Road Distilling Co. at Tintenbar, Bunker Distillery at Spring Grove and Cabarita Spirits, which is also run by a female distiller, Keri Algar.

The official funding round launches on April 8.