I have long been a fan of Rocco Torro’s agave spirits. Having tasted them, I can happily recommend making a little room for a bottle in your drinks cabinet. Extra smooth, perfectly balanced and easy sipping is the brand’s promise, and it is a description I am happy to endorse.
The story begins in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Karoo, where founder, owner and master distiller Jonathan Roche runs a distillery devoted to agave spirit. That single-minded focus appeals to me. There is plenty to explore within this one spirit, particularly when you start considering the plants themselves and the influence of different woods.
Rocco Torro sources Agave americana from the surrounding area, selecting mature plants ready for harvest. Jonathan explains that these agaves take about 20 years to mature, with the heart of the plant, known as the piña, capable of weighing up to 200kg. That is a considerable investment in patience before a bottle ever reaches the table.
Jonathan and his team identify ripe plants in the veld and oversee harvesting, distillation and bottling. At the distillery, direct steam is used to extract the agave’s sugars. The Reposado expressions mature in oak, with both French and American Oak versions to explore, and the 100% agave spirits are bottled on site.
What also appeals to me is its distinctly African identity. Rocco Torro describes its agave spirit as having a taste found nowhere else in the world, unique to Africa. Its accompanying line, “Evoke the spirit of Africa”, puts that ambition into words. I like that sense of place in a bottle, particularly when there is real craftsmanship behind it.
There is more about Jonathan and his work in my earlier article, Rocco Torro is crafting a South African Agave Spirit with Global Ambition.
National recognition for Rocco Torro
I am delighted to see Rocco Torro earning national recognition at two leading South African competitions. At the 2026 Investec Trophy Spirits Show, judged blind by international experts, the brand reports that American Oak ranked first and French Oak second among the South African agave spirits entered.
American Oak received Silver, the same medal awarded to Don Julio 1942, while French Oak received Bronze, alongside Don Julio Reposado. That is pleasing company for a Karoo distillery to keep.
At the 2026 South African Food & Beverage Awards, Rocco Torro collected three medals from three entries: Double Gold for French Oak, and Gold for both American Oak and Blanco. My congratulations to Jonathan and the team.
If you would like to explore it for yourself, there is a proper on-site tasting room at the distillery in Cronje Street, Graaff-Reinet. Rocco Torro’s tours and tastings take visitors through the distillery, introducing local cultivation and craft distillation before the tasting itself. I always find that understanding the work behind a spirit adds to the pleasure of drinking it, and this is a chance to ask questions while the glass is in front of you.
Bookings are essential. To arrange a tour and tasting, WhatsApp 079 141 9202.
I am also looking forward to what comes next. Rocco Torro says its longer-aged Añejo rendition is coming soon, alongside other expressions exploring different ageing periods and woods. These will be small-batch releases, giving us a chance to follow how the range develops as time and wood play their part.
If, like me, you enjoy hearing about an interesting new release, the brand’s connoisseur’s mailing list is the place to start. Email info@roccotorro.co.za and ask to join for updates and the opportunity for first dibs on the forthcoming bottles.
In the meantime, the Rocco Torro online shop offers a way to begin exploring at home, including French Oak and American Oak Reposado expressions. My suggestion? Choose a bottle, gather some good company and make a little time for an African spirit well worth getting to know.
Visit and contact Rocco Torro
Distillery and tasting room: Cronje Street, Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
WhatsApp and tour bookings: 079 141 9202
Email and connoisseur’s mailing list: info@roccotorro.co.za
Website: roccotorro.co.za
Online shop: roccotorro.co.za/shop-online/
