An absolute pearler

Shirl The Pearl  is the latest annual seasonal release from Brookie’s Gin.

The inspiration for the cumquat gin, Shirl the Pearl, is the stuff of family legend for Eddie Brook, Co-Founder and Distiller at Cape Byron Distillery. His grandmother used cumquats from her own tree to create her bootleg gin that was famously cracked open at parties.  

Brook said, “This gin is an ode to my grandma who was known to her friends and family as ‘Shirl the Pearl’. My mum (Pam) would tell me stories of Shirl’s notorious cumquat gin that was generously cracked open for her friends, or at various cocktail and dinner parties. This spirit is truly special and I’m sure Shirl would approve.””

Shirl the Pearl, was a pocket rocket! Standing at 4ft 11” with a mop of curly hair which turned completely white by age twenty-five. Shirl was an adventurer, skier and one of Australia’s first female Tiger Moth pilots - she also knew her way around a bottle of gin. 

Brooks’ mother, Pam, says, “Growing up, we had a cumquat tree in our front yard and my job as a 3-year-old was to pick each cumquat, prick each one and pop them in a jar. This sometimes took me days! Upon reflection, I realise it was a genius way to keep a child occupied, but it remains a very fond memory of mine. I remember a large volume of gin would then appear in the house to make Shirl’s bootleg gin… don’t ask me where she got it from! She would then patiently steep these cumquats in gin, waiting until the clear liquid turned golden. She was a true creative and innovator, and her ‘concoction’ has been perfectly recreated by my son, Eddie. I couldn’t be prouder!”

 Shirl the Pearl is a bright and citrusy spirit which pairs the natural acidity and mild bitterness of Australian cumquats with the unique flavour profile of Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin. With bright notes of orange blossom, mandarin and marmalade, you can shake up a citrusy sour, enjoy it in a Breakfast Martini on Christmas morning, in a Spritz or a Negroni. 

Shirl the Pearl is now available to purchase here.  RRP is $80. Keen travellers can also visit Cape Byron Distillery’s Cellar Door for a taste. Bookings are essential. For more information, visit here.