Caloundra West community welcomes new gin and vodka distillery

An organic gin and vodka distillery which uses sugarcane and rainwater has opened its doors in one of the Sunshine Coast’s fastest growing suburbs.

An organic gin and vodka distillery which uses sugarcane and rainwater has opened in one of the Sunshine Coast’s fastest growing suburbs.

Beachtree Distilling Co opened its doors at Caloundra West on Wednesday and was one of 125 businesses in Queensland to apply for the new State Government craft brewer and artisan distiller liquor licence.

The distillery’s co-founders Kirra Daley and Steve Grace said they were excited to share the new concoctions with the community.

They said the business was their dream.

The new liquor licence allows craft brewers and distillers to sell products in more places, such as online, farmer’s markets, events and festivals.

“We are excited to open this week and we are looking forward to taking our tasty spirits to local festivals and events in the coming months,” Ms Daley said.

Steve Grace and Kirra Daley said their gin and vodka is made organically. Picture: Patrick Woods

“Beachtree started as an opportunity for Steve, our head distiller to combine his love of engineering with my passion for freshly grown produce to create premium craft spirits.

“Since then, we have kicked off our crowd-funding campaign online for the sale of our first batch of organic gin and vodka.

“For each pledge made we will also have a tree planted so everyone wins, you, us and mother Earth.”

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the licence gave the business the ability to sell the gin and vodka on premise.

“Steve and Kirra have produced organic gins and vodkas that are infused with native Australian botanicals and distilled using organically-grown sugarcane and filtered rainwater,” Ms Fentiman said.

“As a new business, it is an exciting time for them as they begin to sell their boutique wares onsite.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman has opened the distillery with Caloundra MP Jason Hunt MP and Beachtree owners Steve Grace and Kirra Daley. Picture; Patrick Woods

“In coming months, they plan to take full advantage of the benefits that come with the new licence.

“This will include offering tastings and showcasing their spirits at festivals, farmers markets and other events, as well as sell their products online.”

Ms Fentiman said 18 brewers and distillers on the Sunshine Coast had applied for the licence since May.