Welcome to an extraordinary journey from distillery to glass, where craft gin shines as a symbol of creativity and craftsmanship. At the heart of this movement is Cape Town Gin, a brand that epitomises the spirit of innovation, quality, and community engagement.
Located in the vibrant city of Cape Town, with its rich heritage and botanical wealth, Cape Town Gin stands out in the craft gin scene. Beyond crafting exceptional gin from the finest botanicals through an artful process of distillation, our brand is deeply committed to eco-conscious practices and giving back to the community that surrounds and supports us. This blog will take you through our meticulous journey of crafting gin and our dedication to making a positive impact on the local community.
The Niche of Distilling Craft Gin
Craft gin has carved out a place in the hearts and shelves of spirits connoisseurs, weathering a transformation in the very notion of drinking gin. No longer is a drink just a drink; it is an embodiment of an idea, a philosophy, a locale. For the gin distillery who has adopted the 'grain-to-glass' ethos, this transformation is not just principle, but practice - our gins are the culmination of journeys taken in the mountains where the fynbos sways, in our distillery where the magic happens and in the bars where the discerning raise their glasses to toast.
The Allure of Artisanal
Gone are the days when 'gin' was synonymous with mass produced cheap gin in South Africa, and the occasional ice and a slice. The craft gin movement, born of the desire for a more authentic and unique experience, celebrates innovation and a rejection of the standardised. Craft gin is as diverse as the distillers who create them, and each bottle is a canvas on which flavours and stories are artfully painted. This customisation has resonated deeply with consumers who are increasingly seeking products with a human touch, products that tell of a place, a person, and a passion.
Distinctive by Design
The craft gin world is one of constant creation. Distillers are pushing the boundaries, layering flavours with an artist's precision. The result is a spread as varied as the earth's flora, with each gin designed to stand out in a crowd. Behind a craft gin design is a meticulous process that blends tradition with innovation, harnessing honoured techniques alongside contemporary technology to create gins that boast not just complexity but also a clarity of character.
From Still to Spirit
The craft gin’s saga begins at the distillery, where a mix of botanicals and base alcohol comes together like a symphony. Each distiller has their own recipe, a closely guarded secret that is the key to their gin's uniqueness. The choice of ingredients, the distillation process, and the balance they seek is what makes their gin, their own unique South African gin. This is the heart of the craft, where a dream takes the shape of clear liquid, waiting to be bottled and shared.
The Magic Inside Craft Gin
Whilst there are many types of gin in South Africa, juniper is the undisputed star of gin, and it's in craft gin where it really gets to shine. Craft gin makers are like artists, with botanicals as their paint. Often picked from local sources, these botanicals are what give each gin its unique taste, smell, and character - it's all about the gin's local vibe. Whether it's hunting down wild fynbos or growing their own special varieties, choosing the right botanicals is the first step in creating a gin that stands out. Then comes the distillation process, where the essence of these botanicals meets pure alcohol. It's transformed by heat and captured drop by drop as it cools, getting more complex with each round of distillation.
The Importance of Provenance in Our Cape Town Distillery
In the world of craft gin, where 'small batch' is not just a label but a way of life, the story behind the best gin is important. Each bottle tells a story of origins - of grain fields, of mountains, of gardens and fynbos. This connection to place is what gives a craft their sense of purpose and identity. It's a commitment to quality and community that resonates with consumers who, in their quest for authenticity, are drawn to products that are not just of a place but also for it.
From Our Cape Town Distillery to Glass to Palate
The last step in the craft gin journey is pouring it out. From the distillery right to your glass, every part of the process adds a note to the tune. But it’s really when you taste it that the gin hits its high note, kicking off a sensory adventure for the consumer.
A Full-Bodied Craft Gin Experience
Craft gin is a full-bodied experience, a celebration of the senses. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of botanicals, a prelude to the play of flavours on the tongue. From the piney punch of juniper to the myriad subtleties of buchu, cardamom, citrus, renosterbos and other fynbos, each gin is a masterclass in balance. The mouthfeel is rich and textured, a result of the craft and care that have gone into its making. It's an experience that cannot be rushed, for to drink a craft gin is to drink in the story of its creation.
Cocktail Culture and Craft Gin
Craft gin has found a natural home in cocktail culture. Mixologists across the country are creating exquisite drinks that showcase the versatility of craft gins in South Africa, pairing them with the finest of mixers and engaging in daring feats in international cocktail competitions, such as World Class. From the classics with a twist to the avant-garde, craft gins bring a level of sophistication and depth to the cocktail, making them the darling of the craft cocktail renaissance.
Experiment with some of our Craft Gin Recipes.
The Future is Craft Gin
The rise of craft gins represents more than just a market trend; it is a cultural movement. It's the spirit of innovation and provenance, of exploration and experience. For craft gin lovers, every bottle unlocks a world, and with each sip, the world of craft gin grows richer.
Global Trends in Craft Gin
The world of craft gin is constantly evolving, with new trends and tastes emerging. From the rise of botanical gins that focus on individual herbs to the popularity of barrel-aged gins that bring a new dimension to the spirit, there's always something new on the horizon. And with the craft gin community constantly pushing the boundaries, the future promises a kaleidoscope of gins, each one more fascinating than the last.
Craft Gin and Locality
One of the defining features of the craft gin movement is its emphasis on locality. Distillers are increasingly looking to their immediate surroundings for inspiration and ingredients, creating gins that are not just of a place but also deeply rooted in it. "The Brand and the place are one and the same. The gins themselves are inspired by the city." according to Cape Town Gin Company's founder Craig van der Venter. This approach has led to a revival in gin production, with distillers seeking to capture the unique character of their locale in each bottle.
Cape Town Distillery - Sustainability and Craft Gin
Perhaps what truly sets Cape Town Gin Company apart from other gin brands in South Africa is our dedication to making a difference and giving back. Through partnerships with organisations like The Men’s Foundation, PinkDrive, and The Boucher Legacy which helps rhinos and other threatened mammals, Cape Town Gin goes beyond the glass. We also partner with Khoisan Gourmet, a group of indigenous Khoisan farmers in the Cederberg, ensuring sustainability. It's a brand that pours back into the community and the environment, ensuring that with every sip, you're contributing to a greater cause.
Craft Gin - Final Thoughts
The craft gin movement, exemplified by Cape Town Gin Company, celebrates the fusion of passion and practice. It's more than just a trend; it's creativity, offering a taste of adventure and a new way of relating to our spirits. Cape Town Gin stands out for its quality and character, embodying the adventure of the road less travelled, aiming to be the best gin in South Africa. As we toast to this movement, we're not just savouring a drink but embracing the stories of dreamers and doers who bring each bottle to life. Cape Town Gin invites you to experience the expansive world of craft gin, where each sip connects you to a larger, vibrant community. It's a narrative worth exploring, one sip at a time.
Contact us or keep an eye on our website and social media for our gin specials!