PACIFIC MOONSHINE: A CAPE BYRON DISTILLERY X STONE & WOOD COLLABORATION

When life gives you lemons, you don't make lemonade, you make Moonshine - that's how the saying goes right?? This was clearly the case for the highly-awarded Cape Byron Distillery. When our world came to a halt at the hands of COVID-19, Cape Byron Distillery saw an opportunity to make some moonshine magic with local craft brewing legends Stone & Wood. This partnership resulted in the creation of 'Pacific Moonshine' - a clear and unusual spirit artfully distilled from kegs of Stone & Wood Pacific Ale.

When the pandemic hit, uncertainty swirled over the hospitality industry and doors closed across the country. Not ones to sit idly by while their beer-loving community suffered, fellow Northern Rivers business Stone & Wood bought back their kegs which were unable to be stored or sold by all of the pubs and bars. This resulted in a surplus of beer that could overflow a swimming pool - how refreshing, that is one pool that would have quickly become a NSW main attraction!

“We’re a brewery that proudly produces quality beer while sharing the love for community spirit, so it was a no brainer when our good friends, Cape Byron Distillery, came to us with their unusual ideas. Sustainability is at the core of our business, with waste being a key focus, so we couldn’t be prouder that our perfectly good Pacific Ale that couldn’t be sold has found a new home, and has been transformed into a delicious spirit.” said Sustainability Manager at Stone & Wood, James Perrin.

This unique lovechild spirit born of the pandemic is described as tropical and salty, like your first post-surf sip! You will quickly be longing for a tropical holiday once your taste buds are introduced to the bursting flavours of fresh pineapple, lychee, passionfruit, and mango, while hints of malt dance on the nose. The taste is citrusy and dry with a medium to long finish. With only 3,000 units available, this limited-edition concoction is not to be missed! We think it would make the perfect gift (only 2 weeks left until Christmas) for a special someone or for you to treat yourself, it's been a hard year.

A spirit created from a community collaboration during some challenging times will raise funds that will be directed back into the community. In this season of giving, Cape Byron Distillery will be donating $6 from every bottle sold to the inGrained Foundation, a not-for-profit also based in the Northern Rivers that supports grassroots environmental and social charities.

“The moral of the story? In spite of everything, the sun and moon continue to shine, and with dark times, good times arrive. So here she is, our Pacific Moonshine, a spirit to raise your spirits!” said Co-Founder and Distiller of Cape Byron Distillery, Eddie Brook.