The results of the inaugural South African Craft Gin Awards were announced at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel where 26 locally distilled craft gins received the highest accolade of Double Gold awards.
The competition is the largest gin competition in the country and the only dedicated competition for craft gin distillers in South Africa. The gins were blind tasted by an expert panel of 6 judges with in-depth knowledge of the drinks industry; Roger Jorgensen – gin master distiller, Dr. Anna Trapido – food anthropologist and judge,Thierry Lubala – mixologist and master gin taster, Jean Buckham – owner of The Gin Box, Hanneli van der Merwe – oenologist and co-owner of Barker & Quin and Tammy Frazer – perfumer and owner of Frazer Parfum.
Commenting on the awards, lead judge Roger Jorgensen said: “South African gin distillers are superb when they ace it as they develop their own style and techniques. Given the plethora of wonderful botanicals here, it is no wonder that the Cape is the new Gin Capital of the world.” On the future of the gin industry in South Africa he added: “The future is bright and SA craft gin can be a global player, it has only just begun.’
The Double Gold award-winning gins are:
A Mari Atlantic Ocean, A Mari Indian Ocean, Copper Republic African Dry, Copper Republic Rooibos & Grapefruit, Die Dröe Rooinek Dry Gin, Flowstone Bushwillow Gin, Geometric Classic Cape Dry Gin, Ginologist Spice Gin, Harmony Aloe Ferox Gin, Indlovu Gin – Elephant Dung Gin, Jin Gin Olive & Honey, Jin Gin Tomato & Sweet Piquante Pepper, Knut Hansen Dry Gin, Lieben Sailor Lemon & Lime Gin, Magalies Lavender Gin, Monks Medella Blueberry Infused, Monks Mary Jane Hemp Infused, Nuy Legacy, Nuy Mastery, Old N1 African Dry, Old N1 Fijnbos Fields, Old Packhouse Moringa Gin, Pienaar & Son Empire, Pienaar & Son Orient, Smiths Elderflower Dry, Smiths Spiced Dry, Wild Rose Fynbos Gin.
@sacraftginwards @sacraftgin @SACraftGinAward
For more information on all the winners, https://craftginawards.co.za/
