South African Gin & Distilleries in South Africa
On This Page: South African Gin and Distillery directory, reviews and tasting notes, distillery tours in South Africa, interviews with South African distillers, and G&T garnishes for gins from South Africa.
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Gin has been prevalent in South Africa since the Anglo-Boer War and the Second Boer War, during which the British army produced gin for the soldiers in towns like Stellenbosch. And with stunning coastlines and mountains, and incredible biodiversity, there's inspiration everywhere and an abundance of gorgeous wild botanicals to be foraged. From urban micro-distilleries through to rural estate distilleries, there are gins and distilleries for everyone to enjoy in South Africa. Discover the best gins South Africa has to offer!
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South African Gin Reviews
A to Z
- Autograph Gin - Review Coming Soon | Info | Garnish: Clementine Zest
- Ginologist Citrus Gin - Info & Review | Garnish: Grapefruit or Lemon Peel
- Ginologist Floral Gin - Info & Review | Garnish: Lemon Peel
- Ginologist Orient Gin - Info & Review | Garnish: Orange Peel or Grapefruit Peel
- Inverroche Classic Gin - Info & Review | Garnish: Lime Zest or Lemon Zest
- Unit 43 Gin - Info & Review | Garnish: Thyme or Orange
TOP FACT: Did you know, South Africa is also home to Indlovu Gin, made with botanicals extracted from elephant dung! 15% of profits from sales go towards elephant conservation efforts at the Phinda Game Reserve.
Distilleries & Tours in South Africa
South Africa is becoming an ideal location to explore distilleries and local gins. The distilleries below offer tours and/or gin tasting:
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Meet the Makers
Get to know some of South Africa's finest gin creators and distillers in our 'Meet the Maker' interviews. Find out how they created and launched their gin, how it's made, what botanicals are used, what you can experience if you visit their distilleries, how best to serve their gins and what they have planned for the future:
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The Inside Scoop
With Matt Beech of Autograph Gin
We caught up with Matt Beech, the Stellenbosch-based distiller of Autograph Gin and Distillery Road Gin, to find out more about the South African gin industry, how it has evolved in recent years and where it could be going next:
What is the history of gin in South Africa?
Gin has always been prevalent in South Africa due to the Anglo-Boer War and the Second Boer War, during which the British army produced gin for the soldiers in towns like Stellenbosch. That's enough history - I can only shine light on the most recent history of gin in South Africa as I’ve only been of legal drinking age for 3 years!
What is the South African gin industry like now?
Gin has really taken off in the last couple of years in South Africa, following the global trend. A couple of core distilleries were around before the gin boom, such as Distell, but more crafty guys like Inverroche and Jorgenson’s have made it seem possible to the little guy. There are now around 170 distilleries awaiting licensing - its taken off in a big way.
Do South African gins have a distinctive style?
South African gins definitely have their own style due to our plant kingdom. There are more plant species from the Fynbos family on the top of Table Mountain than there are in the entirety of England. The trend is definitely Fynbos styled gin. From asking and looking around I believe the two most common styles of distillation are straight infusion and steep & soak.
How to people like to serve gin in South Africa?
South Africans love a big glass with lots of ice and tons of garnish – from strawberries to candy floss, it’s all been done. Thankfully there is a trend to get back to basics with clean fresh citrus zest G&T’s
Where do you see the South African gin industry going next?
The industry in South Africa follows the global trends slowly. Traditionally SA is a wine and beer drinking nation and the popularity of spirits is only starting to grow. Some say that rum is the next big thing, although I find it hard to believe as South Africans have got a bad association with rum. I’d like to see more growth in the gin category and lower ABV spirits such as vermouth.
What is the history of gin in South Africa?
Gin has always been prevalent in South Africa due to the Anglo-Boer War and the Second Boer War, during which the British army produced gin for the soldiers in towns like Stellenbosch. That's enough history - I can only shine light on the most recent history of gin in South Africa as I’ve only been of legal drinking age for 3 years!
What is the South African gin industry like now?
Gin has really taken off in the last couple of years in South Africa, following the global trend. A couple of core distilleries were around before the gin boom, such as Distell, but more crafty guys like Inverroche and Jorgenson’s have made it seem possible to the little guy. There are now around 170 distilleries awaiting licensing - its taken off in a big way.
Do South African gins have a distinctive style?
South African gins definitely have their own style due to our plant kingdom. There are more plant species from the Fynbos family on the top of Table Mountain than there are in the entirety of England. The trend is definitely Fynbos styled gin. From asking and looking around I believe the two most common styles of distillation are straight infusion and steep & soak.
How to people like to serve gin in South Africa?
South Africans love a big glass with lots of ice and tons of garnish – from strawberries to candy floss, it’s all been done. Thankfully there is a trend to get back to basics with clean fresh citrus zest G&T’s
Where do you see the South African gin industry going next?
The industry in South Africa follows the global trends slowly. Traditionally SA is a wine and beer drinking nation and the popularity of spirits is only starting to grow. Some say that rum is the next big thing, although I find it hard to believe as South Africans have got a bad association with rum. I’d like to see more growth in the gin category and lower ABV spirits such as vermouth.
