Swan Valley gin producer, Old Young’s, has raised $1.419 million from 394 investors in its second equity crowdfunding raise on Birchal, aiming to contribute to the company’s new planned $30 million facility. This round offered a ‘gin-ternship’ reward for anyone investing more than $250,000 in the award-winning distillery – the opportunity to travel the world and educate the palate with assistance from industry icons, before returning to the Swan Valley and creating a signature gin available for sale.
Since its establishment in 2016, Old Young’s has made waves in the industry, becoming the first Australian distillery to win Craft Producer of the Year at the Icon of Gin awards in 2023, and breaking records with crowdfunding raises.
Source: Old Young's
Now, the company is setting out to establish a $30 million ‘Cathedral of Gin’, which will feature a sustainable distillery with accommodation, immersive gin experiences, event spaces, dining and tasting rooms, and even a secret bar. Designed by architects Cumulus Studio, the structure will be an artistic tribute to Old Young’s original tin shed, that dramatically unfurls like a lemon peel twisting toward the sky.
The funding round for the launch was an opportunity for Australian craft spirit lovers to become part-owners of the company and its new facility, through an equity crowdfunding raise managed by Birchal.
Old Young’s head distiller, James Young, offered a Grand Gin Masterclass experience to all investors of over $250,000, as well as one lucky investor who contributes over $2000 to the current raise.
“Raising $1.419 million in our second Birchal equity crowdfunding campaign is an extraordinary achievement, especially given the tough economic climate. With an average investment of $3602 – more than double the usual $1600 – we’ve seen incredible confidence in Old Young’s and our vision," said Young.
Featuring business-class travel, accommodation in five-star hotels, and the chance to network with the world’s top gin makers and taste their creations, the gin-ternship itinerary includes stops in cities like San Francisco, New York, London, and Singapore, with visits to renowned distilleries including Bombay Sapphire and Tanglin Distillery.
Source: Old Young's
“If I’d had this kind of intensive education when I started, I’d have been lightyears ahead,” said Young.
“This truly is a money-can’t-buy experience, granting access to the brightest gin minds in the world. In less than two weeks, participants will gain experience that takes most a lifetime to gather.
“Just picture yourself raising a glass of your own creation, saying, ‘I travelled the world to make this.’ How often do you get to toast to a journey like that,” he said.
After the global tour, participants will return to Australia’s Swan Valley to put their new skills to use. Under the guidance of Young, each participant will create a signature gin, complete with a custom label designed with insights from Stranger & Stranger. Fifty bottles will be kept for personal use and 50 will be available for sale at Old Young’s cellar door.
