Discover South African and international whiskies through tasting stories, producer profiles and industry news. Explore the influence of ingredients, distillation and cask maturation.
Look for the specific expression, origin, production style, maturation details and tasting observations. Prices, stock and product ranges can change after publication.
Articles include past events and announcements. Check publication dates and confirm current prices, opening times and bookings with the producer or organiser.
Explore Erongo Mountain Winery near Omaruru, Namibia, from its distinctive wines and Ondjaba whiskey to tastings and a meal at The Jewel restaurant....
The Silver accolade adds an international quality endorsement to one of South Africa’s most well-known whisky brands. South African whisky brand Firstwatch Whisky has earned a Silver medal…
Recent studies show that people who have strong friendships live longer than those that are isolated. Apparently, the more you laugh and interact with your friends the more…
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…
Established in 2005 Qualito Craft Distillery is a small batch craft distillery, located in Phalaborwa. Here a great variety of gins, vodkas, whiskies and vodka fusions are created…
Tracing its history back to around 2010, Copper Republic Distilling Company has been quietly amassing local and international awards for its unique take on what a good whisky,…
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,…
This year’s Spirit Tasting was hosted by the wonderful Brickmakers Distilling Company in Gqeberha and was the best tasting to date. What made this event particularly special were…
The Deep South Distillery, located in the seaside area of Kommetjie in Cape Town, boasts a great selection of spirits. This small, but well-equipped distillery is able to…
Thirsty Travelers Annual Spirit tasting was held at the Brickmakers Distillery in Port Elizabeth in November 2020 and was a roaring success. This was a particularly dry year…
Whisky comes out with all the bells and whistles over the festive season with gift packs galore and huge displays in every liquor store… But it can all…
Label 5 whisky is not very well known in South Africa but is in fact the 9th best-selling Scotch brand in the world, with 31 million bottles sold…
Ireland’s national drink, whiskey is truly considered the travellers’ drink, with many debating its true origins; this drink has its own unique blend in many different countries. Depending…
Craft distilleries are become more and more popular but, contrary to popular belief, the distillation of spirits is a relatively modern art. It was only at the time…
Explore South African drinks, local makers and tasting experiences. Check publication dates and confirm current visitor arrangements with each producer.
Graeme Lund publishes Thirsty Traveler and shares his interest in wine, craft beer, spirits and the people who make them.
My mother was a Cordon Bleu chef and insisted that we eat with a near Victorian array of cutlery and crockery every night. As a young adult, I learned to appreciate the dedication and art of good cooking and as I came of age, I realised how a glass of wine and even more so, good conversation, could make a meal complete.
As a teenager our family took a holiday to the Winelands and I was in awe of the beauty, heritage and sophistication of South Africa’s wine industry. Although not yet 18 I started to collect wines.
Lagers and pilsners where the beer universe for Generation X South Africans. When I traveled through Europe in the ‘90s I was disgusted by warm English beer, revolted by Irish stouts and Belgian sours where the worst thing that my delicate palate had ever encountered.
However, like Copernicus my view has expanded. I have discovered that the beer universe does not rotate around a cold lager. In fact I have since discovered that the beer universe is literally limitless. My Dark Age view on beer progressed into a Renaissance of awaking and then hyper-drived to an unbridled voyage of discovery.
As a student in the ‘90s I thought I was rather chic because I drank J&B rather than Bells and even sampled Campari. It was not until I visited the Oban Distillery in Scotland that I learned about Single Malt Scotch and I entered a whole new world of discovery.
When I first visited the New World I discovered Bourbon and that it too has a proud heritage. On a visit to Cuba I learned that Rum was not just a compliment to Coke, and that, after 12 years of aging, is as sublime as a Scotch.
Today I remain in awe of the craftsman who, with passion, skill and experience, produce such nuanced flavours and aromas in wine, beer and spirts. This website is about my journey of discovery and also of return visits to old favorites.
Thirsty Traveler covers producer stories, tastings, visits and drinks news. For article queries, corrections, product submissions or commercial enquiries, contact graeme@agencyone.co.za. Prices, products, events and opening times can change after publication; check with the producer or organiser before making plans.
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© 2019–2026 Thirsty Traveler. All rights reserved.