Old Young’s ambitious plans for a new $30 million ‘Cathedral of Gin’ in Western Australia’s Swan Valley have captivated investors, with the equity crowdfunding raise cracking $1.1 million.
The raise is on track to reach its target of $1.6 million before it closes in three days time.
The Cathedral of Gin hopes to rival South Australia’s d’Arenberg Cube, which saw a 140% boost in McLaren Vale tourism in its debut year. Designed by architects Cumulus Studio, the structure is an artistic tribute to Old Young’s original tin shed that dramatically unfurls like a lemon peel twisting toward the sky—a perfect garnish for their iconic martini.
Inside, visitors will find a state-of-the-art, sustainable distillery with accommodation, immersive gin experiences, event spaces, dining and tasting rooms, and even a secret bar, all designed to embody Old Young’s quirky, bold spirit.
With the launch of Old Young’s new home comes a rare opportunity for lovers of Aussie craft spirits to become part-owners in the best craft gin distillery in the world and Australia’s next biggest tourist attraction. The equity crowdfunding raise is being managed by Birchal and the money raised will be used to develop Old Young’s new home.
Willy Wonka-style Golden Ticket to be offered
Owner James Young has upped the ante and announced that anyone investing more than $250,000 will receive a ‘Ginternship’ where they travel the world and educate their palate from industry icons before returning to the Swan Valley and creating their own signature gin that will be made available for sale.
However, you don’t have to be a sophisticated investor with deep pockets to score a place at this so-called ‘The Grand Gin Masterclass’. Young will also offer this education to one lucky investor, chosen at random, who invests a minimum of $2000 in his current Birchal Equity Crowdfunding raise.
According to Young (above), if you’ve ever dreamed of throwing in your job and turning your love of gin into your new side hustle, this is the world’s ultimate job pivot. The Grand Gin Masterclass features business-class travel, accommodation in five-star hotels and the chance to network with the world’s top gin makers and taste their creations.
“If I’d had this kind of intensive education when I started, I’d have been lightyears ahead,” he said.
“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 a masterclass that takes most a lifetime.”
The itinerary includes stops in cities like San Francisco, New York, London, and Singapore, with visits to renowned distilleries. Ginterns will learn from industry icons and indulge in elite dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants.
After a whirlwind 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 their own signature gin, complete with a custom label designed with insights from Stranger & Stranger, spirit label experts based in New York. There will be 50 bottles for personal use and 50 available for sale at Old Young’s cellar door.
Birchal Equity Crowdfunding head Matt Vitale said: “This is the most valuable and lavish investor reward ever offered in Australia. It’s an adult’s version of Willy Wonka’s factory tour – except it’s gin, and James Young is your guide. Anyone with a passion for gin would go to great lengths for this reward.”
“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?” added Young.
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