Guest Explorer: Higgo Jacobs
A law graduate from Stellenbosch, Higgo was lured into the wine industry after his studies, and what was meant to be a sabbatical ended up as a way of life.
Certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Higgo consults to various establishments; judges on wine competitions and publications locally and abroad, and tries his hand occasionally at writing.
In the drinks business, as in any other commodity business I suppose, the difference between a trend and a fad is merely duration. Trends have long-term effects on the market.
Gin is not a fad in South Africa. It doesn’t look to be knocked off its fashionable high ground by another category as predicted by some. It is still very much trending worldwide, and here in South Africa we are only scratching the surface in our playful discovery of the effects of our wonderfully diverse range of botanicals on the spirit.
Even the tonics are getting interesting. The G&T lover has so much to play with when stirring that afternoon cocktail. With summer around the corner, here are some of my favorite craft gins available on the local market.
Hope on Hopkins Mediterranean Gin
Made from a triple distilled grape spirit this gin is inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean. It is infused with olives, rosemary, basil, thyme and cardamom with overriding citrus notes and hints of juniper.
Triple Three Citrus Infusion Gin
Experience fresh and crisp citrus aromas with a smooth, silky finish. This zesty gin was enriched with hand-picked, farm grown citrus fruit. Each distilling carefully crafted to ensure a balanced gin with an abundance of citrus notes for your ultimate drinking pleasure.
Ginologist Floral Gin
An aromatic bouquet accentuated by rose geranium and orange blossom so soft and playful that it comes with a license to thrill. The floral medley gives the Floral gin a perceived sweetness, making it ideal for those who prefer to serve gin with lite tonics or soda water.
New Harbour Spekboom Gin
Spekboom Gin is produced using only the grain neutral spirit, rectified using a particular copper catalyzation process. The main botanical is the leaf of the Spekboom tree or in Xhosa, called iGwanitsha.
Jorgensen’s Original Gin
Jorgensen’s Gin is a journey through extraordinary African aromatic botanicals. South African grown Juniper and peppery Grains of Paradise from Wild WestAfrica.
Inverroche Gin Amber
Red bush, Rooibos tea flavours emerge to taste with hints of sweet toffee apples that give way to delicate florals. The spice returns towards the end in a layered and intriguing flavour journey.
Woodstock Gin Inception Beer Base
A more robust, punchy gin. It has a slight caramel, ovaltine flavour on the nose from the initial beer distillation. This transcends into the traditional juniper berry flavour and picks up the lemon, lime and spices which carry through into the aftertaste.
Six Dogs Karoo Gin
Six Dogs Karoo Gin is a unique and delicate Gin of twelve select botanicals, distilled and bottled at Six Dogs Distillery. Sip it and you will pick up the paired notes of Juniper and Wild Lavender that introduce the Karoo.
Pienaar & Son Orient Gin
A unique gin made from South African maize, infused with botanicals that have been carefully selected to pay homage to the Eastern spice trade that influenced Cape Town culture and cuisine alike. A refreshing, uninhibited gin packed with spice and citrus.
Ginifer Small Batch Handcrafted
Ginifer is an Artisanal Joburg Dry Gin carefully crafted in small batches and copper distilled in Linbro Park, Johannesburg. 13 different botanicals, sourced from all over the world, giving smoothness and refreshment to the gin.
Amari Ocean Gin
Distilled with Atlantic Ocean water, Juniper, Coriander, Tangerine, Lemon, Angelica Root, Pelargonium, and a secret, delicious selection of Cape Coastal Fynbos. The nose shows a citrus-forward freshness, echoed on the palate with highlights of citrus merging into a mid palate of rich florals and peppery spices.
Bloedlemoen Handcrafted Gin
A Handcrafted, small batch Gin from a meticulous selection of ten natural botanicals including Juniper, Blood Orange, Orange Peel, Grains of Paradise, Coriander, Cassia and nutmeg. A classic London Dry Style with citrus, light Juniper and spicy floral aromas.
Wilderer Fynbos Gin
This unique South African GIN is carefully crafted from a special selection of fynbos botanicals, roots & spices, including wild dagga, honeybush, buchu and devil’s claw.
Cruxland Gin
Infused with the rare Kalahari truffle, Cruxland gin in a 100% pure grape gin, double distilled in potstills with the highest quality juniper berries and seven other distinct botanicals, including truly South African rooibos and honeybush.
Geometric Gin
Geometric Gin is distilled from neutral spirits and fine grape spirit, resulting in a textured, silk-like gin, fresh juniper is underpinned by citrus and cardamom, followed by heathery fynbos.
Musgrave Pink Gin Botanicals
From a bygone era to today, the rose is symbol of love and passion. Rose-scented oils still grace festive occassions, and exotic rosewater exalts our food and beauty regimes. Musgrave pink celebrates the flower of love and beauty with the source of the rose, rosehip, which complement Musgrave’s spicy nature.