The Helden Distillery, a small batch whisky distillery located in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Area, produces superb, innovative spirits. Established in 2018 by Dr Pieter van Helden, the focus is on combining African malted grains and African wood in the maturation process to produce a unique African style whisky.
The Helden Distillery Product Ranges
The Helden Premier Collection features their prospective flagship whisky – The African Bonfire whisky. With its subtle smokiness, deep red colour and a touch of sweet spice, it is described as experiencing a Bushveld braai in a bottle.
Also in the Premier Collection is The Helden Single Malt whisky, carefully made using a selection of specialised malts. A robust medley of rich raisins, caramel, bittersweet chocolate, and rich dried fruit and nuts, with a long and warm finish, and a lingering malt character. This whisky is non-chill filtered to retain its optimum colour and flavour.
Since these two whiskies are mostly still maturing in their casks, the Innovate Range was developed. It consists of three products, all single malts available as a New Make Spirit, or finished on Hickory or Cherrywood.
The Summertime Collection features their Quintessence Gin. This is a gin that was developed with the whisky lover in mind. It is distilled from a purified cut of their single malt spirit base in combination with 12 selected botanicals. This gin explores the fine balance of the four dimensions of smooth juniper, earthy herbs and spices, light citrus, and floral overtones, while mysteriously adding a fifth dimension derived from the rare botanicals of their unique provenance.
Their product offering is ever expanding and now also includes gift vouchers and gift sets of six branded whisky glasses.
A range of whisky tastings right by the still are offered for small groups and can be booked on their website. This is a great opportunity for friends or colleagues to get together at the distillery, or even at your home or at a corporate venue.
The Helden Distillery also offers a Bespoke Whisky Cask Service where you can co-create your own custom single malt whisky. You will be guided through the design process to produce your own prototype bottle, which can be scaled up to your own cask.
Like most craft distilleries, the Helden Distillery is built on a love for distillation and a passion for producing unique and great spirits. What’s different about Helden Distillery is that their whisky produce has a truly African character.
Contact Details
For more information, or to make a booking, visit their website or email info@helden.co.za. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
The Helden Distillery may be found on the Kopjeskraal Road, Parys, Free State. Click here to find them on Google Maps.
