Discovering the Hidden Gems: A Guide to South Africa's Top Craft Gin Distilleries

Discovering the Hidden Gems: A Guide to South Africa's Top Craft Gin D…

Poppy Eichel 0 87 02.26 17:51
Guide to the Best Craft Gin Distilleries in South Africa

764551082_5PwsR2bk_de834bf6a678d9175afaece70221be34dd7b4fb3.jpg!dSouth Africa may be known for its world-renowned wines, but the country is quickly making a name for itself in the craft gin scene. With a variety of botanicals and unique flavors, South African gin is becoming a favorite among gin enthusiasts around the world. In this guide, we will take a closer look at some of the best craft gin distilleries in South Africa, their history, and what makes them stand out in the competitive gin market.

1. The Woodstock Gin Company

Located in the vibrant and artistic neighborhood of Woodstock in Cape Town, The Woodstock Gin Company is a small batch distillery that produces handcrafted gins using locally sourced botanicals. Founded in 2012, the distillery is known for its innovative flavors and its commitment to sustainability. The Woodstock Gin Company uses a unique copper pot still named "Mavis" and distills each batch with precision and care.

Their flagship gin, Inception, is a classic London Dry style gin infused with 12 botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica root. However, their most popular gin is the Rooibos Red Gin, made with the native South African rooibos plant, which gives the gin a distinct earthy and floral flavor. The Woodstock Gin Company also offers a gin school experience where visitors can learn about the distilling process and create their own unique gin blend.

2. Hope on Hopkins Distillery

Founded by two friends, Leigh Lisk and Lucy Beard, Hope on Hopkins Distillery is a small-batch distillery located in the heart of Cape Town. The distillery takes its name from the street where it is located, Hope Street, and its founders' surnames, Hopkins and Lisk. Established in 2014, Hope on Hopkins is known for its premium gins, made with hand-selected botanicals and traditional distillation methods.

Their flagship gin, Hope on Hopkins London Dry Gin, is a classic and versatile gin with juniper, coriander, and citrus notes. However, their most unique gin is the Mediterranean Gin, infused with olives, rosemary, and thyme, which gives it a savory and herbaceous flavor. The distillery also offers a range of limited edition and seasonal gins, such as the Salt River Gin, made with fynbos botanicals found in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

3. Inverroche Distillery

Located in the Western Cape region, Inverroche Distillery is a family-owned distillery that has been producing gin since 2011. The distillery is named after the ancient Celtic word "Inver" meaning "a confluence of water," and "Roche" meaning "rock." This name reflects the distillery's location, road trip, https://www.buyandsellreptiles.com/author/berniecerix/, situated at the confluence of the Breede and Goukou rivers and the rocky terrain of the area.

Inverroche Distillery is known for its unique and complex gins, made with a variety of botanicals found in the fynbos biome. Their flagship gin, Inverroche Classic, is a classic London Dry style gin infused with 14 botanicals, including rare species such as kapokbos and wild rosemary. The distillery also offers a range of limited edition gins, such as the Amber Gin, aged in oak barrels, giving it a smooth and mellow flavor.

4. Wilderer Distillery

Founded in 1995, Wilderer Distillery is one of the oldest craft distilleries in South Africa and the first distillery to produce grappa in the country. Located in the Western Cape, the distillery is surrounded by the scenic mountains of the Cape Winelands. Wilderer Distillery is known for its range of premium gins, made with hand-selected botanicals and traditional distillation methods.

Their flagship gin, Wilderer Fynbos Gin, is a classic London Dry style gin infused with 23 botanicals, including fynbos species found in the surrounding mountains. However, their most unique gin is the Buchu Gin, made with the indigenous herb Buchu, which gives the gin a distinctive and refreshing flavor. The distillery also offers a range of fruit-infused gins, such as the Wilderer Honey Gin, made with locally sourced honey.

5. The Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company

Founded in 2015, The Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company is a boutique distillery located in the heart of the city, with stunning views of Table Mountain. The distillery is known for its handcrafted gins, made with a unique blend of Cape Town botanicals, including rooibos, honeybush, and citrus fruits. The Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company also prides itself on using sustainable and eco-friendly practices in its distilling process.

Their flagship gin, Rooibos Red, is a classic London Dry style gin infused with rooibos, giving it a distinctive red color and a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. However, their most popular gin is the Pink Lady, made with rose petals and hibiscus flowers, giving it a floral and fruity taste. The distillery also offers a range of limited edition gins, such as the Gold of Africa Gin, infused with African gold leaf and other exotic botanicals.

In Conclusion

South Africa's craft gin scene is thriving, with an array of unique and flavorful gins being produced by small-batch distilleries around the country. Each distillery mentioned in this guide offers a unique experience, from traditional distillation methods to innovative flavors and sustainability practices. So, whether you're a gin enthusiast or just looking to try something new, be sure to add these South African craft gin distilleries to your bucket list. Cheers!

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