Gin has always played a part in my life. There has hardly been a day that has passed without my mum having a G&T in her hand at 6pm. We learnt the mix very early on, and it’s a tradition that my sister and I are more than happy to continue. These are the three I discovered over the festive season and think you should try this year.
This third creation from Autography Distillery was inspired by the history of spirits and the area surrounding the distillery. It was on Distillery Road that Daniel Bosman became on of the first recorded distillers in Stellenbosch history, making it a milestone in South Africa’s liquor history.
It’s a new take on an old tradition:“think a contemporary taste created with the London dry method’ says Autograph distiller Matt Beech. The result is a traditional London Dry with local notes of Confetti Bush and Lemon Pelargonium.
They suggest serving it with Indian tonic, lemon and sliced ginger, which is perfect after a long, hot day. It’s just as good on it’s own, though, too, if you prefer to keep your drinks simple.
Deep South Cape Dry Gin (R350)
Ok, I’m a little biased on this on because the distillery is 10 minutes drive from where I grew up. But we went through 2 bottles of it over the holidays, so the proof is in the bottle (pun only slightly intended).
I highly recommend you visit the distillery so Steve, Sandy and Daniel can excite you with their passion for gin (and vodka). You’ll get to see the whole process of producing gin from base alcohol to finished product – nearly all of it done by hand in this boutique distillery.
Sip it with some bruised Rosemary and a peel of lemon, or opt for what Steve has christened a Deep Southside: Muddle lime pieces, sugar syrup and mint leaves, add gin and ice and shake. Strain and garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin (R449)
I was given a bottle of this for Christmas my friends who know me so well (thanks Remo and David 😘) . I was never going to not love this – it combines my father’s heritage, my mother’s love of gin and my love of green tea (and gin, naturally).
The brand story is a quirky nod to all things mythical, which I adore. The story of how PJ Rigney, a man with a curious mind, left the comforts of his hometown in County Leitrum to travel the world in search of the finest ingredients to distill into his gin is already of stuff of legends itself.
12 botanicals make up the unique notes of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, each being sourced from specific regions. The most remarkable of which is Gunpowder Tea from China. Inspired by Moroccan Tea ceremonies, this tea has been located in the eastern highlands of Zejiang in China.
I enjoy is most with a slice of grapefruit – what they call the Drumshanbo Signature Serve. But on warmer days, I opt for a Curious Jackalope; which combines the gin with lime juice, grapefruit juice and sugar syrup garnished with mint and grapefruit.
What are your favourite gins? I’m always on the lookout for more to discover.