FANCY a gin and tonic? Many may believe that the drink of the colonials originated in England, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Gin, originally called ‘geneva’, originated in Holland with the first confirmed date of production being as early as the 17th century. It was primarily produced as a medicine and sold to treat stomach complaints, headaches, gout and gallstones.
Over the years gin has earned itself names such as “Mother’s Ruin”, “Royal Poverty”, “Kill Grief” “Cuckold’s Comfort”, “Dutch Courage” and some other colourful names not suitable for print. The main component of gin is what is known as the juniper berry, of which the origins are said to be in the eastern European region.
With the evolution of drinking preferences, gin has again gained massive popularity across the world and producers have moved away from plain distilled to a more craft distillation process. This sensation has overtaken South Africa as well – and it’s quite fair to say that South African gins are doing well on a global basis. One of the main explanations for its popularity is it is considered as one of the largest varieties of spirits. As long as it has the main component, juniper berries, anything can be added to enhance the taste. This availability of adding different ingredients makes gin a ‘fun drink.’
The hype around gin showed its juniper berry face last week when local gin lovers had the opportunity to taste and drink three exclusive premium craft gins at Bean and Olive Deli Café.
The evening was a bumper event with many eager patrons lining up to taste the trio and add interesting garnish complimenting each of the botanical components in the presented bottles.
Mickey Lindsay showcased Spirit of Rooibos, Clemengold and Musgrave Gin and explained the processing of what makes a fine gin. All of the gins have a big connection to the Albany region in the Eastern Cape. He also added that the second Saturday of June is known as official World Gin Day. Lindsay elaborated on the history of gin as well as the specific premium craft components that make each bottle special.
On the topic of tonic, he said: “The better the gin, the less tonic water you need to add to it.”
The Musgrave Gin range is inspired by Rhodes University alumnus, Simone Musgrave, who after a few years in the corporate world returned to pursue a family passion.
Her great grandfather, Maurice Musgrave, left to settle in Zambia in 1949 to start a new life exploring and discovering the land of Africa. She recalled talks about mandatory gin and tonic hour every day in the bush. Upholding her grandfather’s passion for Africa and gin and tonic she found herself cultivating Africa’s favourite drink.
Musgrave 11 embodies flavours and history of the continent and its ancient spice route. It is celebrated for its essence of cardamom, African ginger and Grains of Paradise.
Musgrave Pink Gin has all of the spice and flavour of Musgrave 11 but is toned down to be gentler and less spicy and to bring out the floral of the rosehips and the infused rosewater.
The Spirit of Rooibos, a top premium gin inspired by the Rooibos plant, indigenous to South Africa, is a premium triple distilled neutral spirit with 100% natural Rooibos. It has a unique herbal taste with traces of caramel, followed by a silky smooth feel, hints of spice and lingering wooded undertone.
The ClemenGold Gin is citrus infused with hints of cinnamon, honey, ground almond, juniper berries, angelica, orris root and coriander. The gin has nine botanicals – with sundried ClemenGold peels taking the flavour.
by JACQUELINE HOLLOWAY and LOUISE CARTER