At Billy Stitch Distillery, we believe that great things happen when passionate minds come together. In July of 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the talented team at Tuck Shop Margaret River Restaurant for the annual 2024 Cabin Fever Festival. Held every winter, Cabin Fever transforms the Margaret River region into a hub of culinary creativity and community spirit, and this year was no exception.
Photograph @georgiaminnie_
A Gin Born from the Tuckshop Garden
For our collaboration, we wanted to craft something truly unique, a gin that not only showcased the bold and innovative flavours Billy Stitch is known for but also paid homage to Tuck Shop’s fresh, local ingredients and seafood-focused menu. Together, we created a limited-edition gin using herbs sourced directly from Tuck Shop’s own garden.
The hero ingredients in this bespoke gin were Geraldton wax, yuzu, and Australian native lemon thyme. These vibrant botanicals are staples in Tuckshop’s ever-evolving seafood dishes, adding layers of citrusy brightness and herbaceous complexity. With these ingredients in hand, we experimented back at the distillery, blending and balancing flavours to create a gin that complemented Tuck Shop’s menu while standing out as a truly unique creation. The result? A gin that embodies the essence of Margaret River—fresh, dynamic, and full of character.
A Label as Unique as the Gin
We had just as much fun designing the bottle as we did crafting the gin itself. The limited-edition label drew inspiration from the vibrant culture of Margaret River, blending elements of seafood, surf culture, and even the personality of Tuck Shop’s co-owner, Matt. His larger-than-life fro made its way onto the design, bringing a playful and personal touch to the final product. It was a label that celebrated not just the gin but also the creative partnership that made it possible.
Photograph @georgiaminnie_
A Celebration of Flavors and Community
The launch of the Tuckshop x Billy Stitch Distilery gin was the perfect addition to the Cabin Fever lineup. Guests at Tuckshop were treated to curated dishes paired with this custom gin, showcasing how its herbaceous and citrus-forward profile elevated the restaurant’s signature seafood offerings. From fresh oysters to grilled fish, the pairing experience celebrated the best of local produce and craftsmanship.
This collaboration wasn’t just about creating a product—it was about telling a story. It highlighted the creativity that emerges when two local businesses join forces, sharing their passion for quality, innovation, and community connection.
Photograph @georgiaminnie_
A Tradition of Collaboration
At Billy Stitch Distillery, collaborations like this are at the heart of what we do. We love pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to showcase our gins while supporting local businesses. Our partnership with Tuckshop Margaret River is just one of many.
In the past, we’ve teamed up with a tea and garnish company to create unique infusions for cocktails, partnered with the Australian Royal Navy to craft a bold maritime-inspired gin, and even worked with a local golf links to create an evening of paired gins to spring-inspired dishes to provide an evening of culinary art. Each collaboration is an opportunity to learn, grow, and share something extraordinary with our community.
Photograph @georgiaminnie_
Have an Idea? Let’s Collaborate!
We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting partnerships. If you’re a business with a great idea, we’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a unique flavour concept, a creative event idea, or something completely outside the box, we’re all ears. Get in touch with us at info@billystitch.com.au or use the direct message form on our contact page.
Cheers to Collaboration
Our partnership with Tuck Shop Margaret River for Cabin Fever Fest is a testament to the magic that happens when local businesses come together. This limited-edition gin is more than just a bottle of spirits—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the unique flavours of Margaret River. Whether you enjoyed it paired with Tuckshop’s dishes or took a bottle home as a keepsake, we hope it brought a little extra joy to your winter.
To make a booking (a must for all visiting Margaret River) head to margaretrivertuckshop.com.au .
