Monks Distillery, located on the banks of the Breede River at the foot of Bains Kloof Pass, is South Africa’s first off grid distillery.
Nic and Di Davis began their Monks journey when they joined forces with wine farmers Coenie and Edelgard Lategan by building their distillery, designed by Nic himself, in 2018.
Since their launch, Monks Distillery have racked up a number of prestigious local and international awards including best SA Classic Gin and Best SA Contemporary gin at the World Gin Awards in London.
Monks dry gins are ‘Juniper forward’ gins, hand crafted and double distilled in small batches.
Their distinctive bottles feature the Monks logo, which is the alchemy symbol for copper.
Monks have produced three world class gins, all infused with nine handpicked botanicals, mostly endemic to the area and paired with glacier clear water.
Their Mysterium Gin is infused with Buchu and sceletium, which is a natural mood enhancer.
Their Medella Gin is infused with blueberries, a super food rich in antioxidants, and which is farmed on location.
Their Mary Jane Gin is South Africa’s first hemp infused gin, and the latest addition to the Monks Gins. It also contains infusions of slangbos and renostorbos.
Tastings and tours are welcome. They are open weekdays from 09h00-18h00 and Saturdays from 11h30 – 18h00. There are also Gn’Ts, delicious cocktails and charcuterie platters on offer. Here you will learn about the actual distilling process and the use of their local ingredients. Gift packs are available and some delicious gin cocktail recipes are to be found on their website.
Surrounded by mountains, vineyards and blueberry tunnels, their tasting room is one of the most beautiful places to relax, take in the view and enjoy their three world class gins.
Personal Tasting Notes
Variety is the spice of life and a well-stocked bar is testament to that very apt saying.
If you are looking for some really good gins to add to your collection then the Monks Gins are all top notch but I have found that the Mary Jane Gin is one of the most popular in by personal pub.
Of course it is the curiosity factor that first gets my guests attention initially. However, they keep coming back for as it is a fantastic gin.
Because these gins have a delicate and delicious character of their own my advice is enjoy them neat, on the rocks or with a very small amount of tonic. If you are wanting to fill your glass then use soda water rather than strongly flavoured mix.
Monks Gin participated in our 2021 Annual Spirit Tasting and received many compliments from our team spirit connoisseurs.
The most apt comment was, “The presentation of Monks Gin is superb – I love the bottle with its copper labelling and the alchemy copper symbol. It makes this gin intriguing. Of course your expectations are now set high and disappointment may be just a sip away. However, these are excellent gins with an intriguing nose and explorative palate. I never went past tasting them neat or with a touch off ice or water, anything stronger would spoil.”
Contact Details
For more information or to make a booking call Nic at +27 82 455 9812 or Di at +27 82 563 7244 or email di@monksgin.co.za
Facebook:@MONKSGIN
Instagram: @monksgin
Monks Distillery may be found at Tierkop Farm 208 Kleinberg, Breerivier, Western Cape. Find them on Google Maps Here.
