
L-Gin: A little Elgin spirit in every glass
A drink with a good story gives you something to talk about before the ice has begun to melt. For

A drink with a good story gives you something to talk about before the ice has begun to melt. For

Six Dogs Distillery at a glance Location: De Wet, Western Cape, South Africa. Gin range: Karoo, Blue, Pinotage Stained and

The art of gifting Buying a gift for a guy is easy and the presentation not at all

Raise your glass to an unforgettable celebration of flavour, music, and magical moments at the Rooftop Gin Festival hosted by Rosebank

The distillery’s journey began in 2017 when two long-time friends embarked on a new adventure driven by their

Deep South Distillery, situated in Kommetjie in the heart of the Cape Peninsula, continues to gain accolades, medals

Gin is probably the most versatile of all the spirits and I am always excited to find new

The Cape Fynbos Wines and Spirits first became famous for their excellent gin and its beautiful packaging and

If you’re a connoisseur of superior spirits and have an appreciation of impeccable artistry, you must try West

Deep South Distillery, situated in Kommetjie, is a warm, friendly, and much loved craft distillery with a mission

Established in 2015, Cape Town Gin Company produces four different delicious gins. Craig van der Venter, the founder

Boutique distilleries are all the rage with a fire being lit under a new still every other week.

Clarens is one of South Africa’s most picturesque towns thanks to its location in the foothills of the

Last Saturday’s hot and sultry afternoon was ideal for the 2023 Bridge Street Brewery (BStB) Bubbly and Gin
Explore South African drinks, local makers and tasting experiences. Check publication dates and confirm current visitor arrangements with each producer.

A drink with a good story gives you something to talk about before the ice has begun to melt. For L-Gin, that story starts with

Six Dogs Distillery at a glance Location: De Wet, Western Cape, South Africa. Gin range: Karoo, Blue, Pinotage Stained and Honey Lime. Visiting: distillery tastings

The art of gifting Buying a gift for a guy is easy and the presentation not at all important – well certainly from guy to

Raise your glass to an unforgettable celebration of flavour, music, and magical moments at the Rooftop Gin Festival hosted by Rosebank Mall on Saturday, 14 December 2024. This must-attend

The distillery’s journey began in 2017 when two long-time friends embarked on a new adventure driven by their passion for quality spirits and strong work

Deep South Distillery, situated in Kommetjie in the heart of the Cape Peninsula, continues to gain accolades, medals and awards for its innovative range of

Gin is probably the most versatile of all the spirits and I am always excited to find new distilleries and sample their wares. The Juniper

The Cape Fynbos Wines and Spirits first became famous for their excellent gin and its beautiful packaging and labelling. More recently they have introduced a

If you’re a connoisseur of superior spirits and have an appreciation of impeccable artistry, you must try West Coast Distillers. Located in the charming seaside

Deep South Distillery, situated in Kommetjie, is a warm, friendly, and much loved craft distillery with a mission to make the world a better place
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.
© 2019–2026 Thirsty Traveler. All rights reserved.