Micro distilleries, also known as boutique or craft distilleries for marketing purposes, became viable in South Africa in 2003 and the consequence has been fantastic on so many levels including job creation and, of course, variety and quality.
South Africa had a number of licensed micro distilleries prior to 1964 but in accordance with the National Party’s Calvanistic and highly structured government, they passed legislation that made it almost impossible for micro distilleries to continue past this year.
New Legislation
In 2003 this legislation was relaxed but in the intervening years so much of the countries distilling knowledge, skill and expertise was lost.
In recent years there has been a big upsurge of craft distillers many of whom are producing exceptional products today. It has taken plenty of investment and, by most accounts, many joyous hours of learning to reach the great range and quality of spirits now available in South Africa.
It has been interesting to sample the wares of these distillers over the past few years. To be honest many of them produced some horrible spirits initially but there perseverance has paid off and today their stills have become famous for quality.
Distillers and brands
Each month there seems to be a new distiller marketing their wares. Some distilleries have changed ownership or sold shares to a large multinational beverage company. Others closed down.
There are also a host of brands who do not distill their own spirits but devise delicious recipes and then contract the production to an independent distiller.
Below is a list of distillers and brands that are commercially available in South Africa and whose wares Thirty Traveler has had the pleasure of sampling.
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A Passion For The Unusual – Musgrave Gin Is Steeped In Flavour And Adventure
Musgrave Copper Pot Still Brandy Is Superb
A Great Combination – Wawu Tonic And Pretty Poison Gin Are A Perfect Mix
A Gin For Every Taste – Classic And Exciting Cape Town Gin
Hope Distillery’s Rum Agricole Is Both Simple And Complex But Very Refreshing
Explore New Flavours With Cape Of Storms Distilling Company’s Craft Rum
Superb Mhoba Rum Is A Gourmet Experience
Free State’s Whistler Rum Best In Country
Six Dogs Blue Light Spirit Aperitif Stimulates The Appetite And The Party
Six Dogs Distillery’s Honey Lime Gin Is Mouth-Watering
Brickmakers Distilling Company Produces Top Class Rum
Kwande Craft Gin – A Great Gin With A Better Story
Porkbush Gin – Conservation And Pleasure Going Hand In Hand
The Alchemy Of Gin At Monks Distillery
To Impress You Need West Coast Distillers’ Award-Winning Craft Gins & Bitters!
Enjoy West Coast Distillers’ Award-Winning Craft Gins & Bitters
Durban’s Distillery 031 Has An Award-Winning Range Of Gins
Amazing Spirits To Try At Distillery 031 In Durban
Heart Of Stone Is A Truly South African Liqueur From Distillery 031
Distillery 031 Vodka Is Carefully Crafted To Produce Subtle Flavours
Pienaar & Son – Excellent Spirits From A Mix Of Science And Passion
Cape Fynbos Gin – An Award Winning Gin With A True South African Palate
One33 Craft Distillery And Cheesery Is A Dream Come True
Triple Three Gin Is For The Gin Connoisseur
The Story Of Distillery Road Gin
Have You Tried Deep South Distillery’s Great Selection Of Signature Craft Spirits?
The Chilli Vodka Of Deep South Distillery Is Hot, Hot, Hot!
Still-Oaky Distillery Produces Excellent Small Batch Gins
Crafted With Pride And Poured With Pleasure At Qualito Craft Distillery
You Must Try Still 33 Distilling Company’s Premium Craft Gin And Rum
