Gin Tastings & Distilleries | Cape Town

"The gin and tonic has saved more Englishman's

lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire" - Winston Churchill

There's no denying it. Gin has taken off in Cape Town. Distillers recently began to experiment with indigenousness botanicals in attempts to create vibrant concoctions that literally embody home. Their success is evident, and the results, delicious. To say that the Cape Town gin scene is bustling would be putting it lightly. With all the buzz, it can be difficult to distinguish between passionate mixologists and trend hoppers jumping aboard the bandwagon.

After scouring the City streets, a taster or two, and digging a little deeper, it becomes clear exactly who is who.

Hope on Hopkins Distillery, Salt River

This distillery opens its doors for tastings once a week on Saturdays between 12:00 and 5:00 PM - but they're worth the wait. Apart from juniper berries, which they import, Hope on Hopkins source homegrown botanicals for the production of their gin.

They are actually one of the few distilleries in Cape Town who prepare, craft and sell their own gin onsite. This makes Saturday tastings all the more interesting. Visitors are able to spectate Hope on Hopkins' process first hand, as the tasting room overlooks the distillery floor, creating an experience that is equal parts insightful as it is satisfying.

The Hope on Hopkins Distillery, located in the heart of Salt River, is one of the many establishments adding an air of excitement to the area.

Botany, Newlands

Botany does not make their own gin, but their passion really shines through in the cocktail lounge's mixology. After opening in 2018, Botany quickly became a favorite among Newland's residents, and considering the sleek upmarket aesthetic of the entire Copper Collection, it's no wonder why.

Botany as well as Patina, a steak and fine restaurant, and Copper Club, a family-type eatery, are the three parts making up the Copper Collection - together the three have added a new dimension to Cape Town's casual dining landscape, making Newland's heartbeat even livelier.

The cocktail lounge offers an almost overwhelming assortment of local and international gins, and should not be skipped out on by Southern Suburb residents and gin cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The Woodstock Gin Company

Adjacent to the Old Biscuit Mill, The Woodstock Gin Company makes "high-quality handcrafted gin that would make even the Brits turn their heads," and they're proud of it. The Woodstock Gin Company is eager to share what they have to offer, as their doors are open from Monday to Saturday for tasting and cocktail hunting Capetonians.

The Woodstock Gin Company's family of gin has a clear theme. Their fittingly named Inception Gin is presented in two different styles. One is made with a beer base, offering punchier and more robust flavors. The other is created from a wine base, and could be described as an elegant, full bodied gin.

Another Woodstock Gin favorite is their high tea gin, which has had rooibos and honey bush added post distillation. The Woodstock Gin Company also sell gift packs which include two of each variety - making attractive presents for loved ones, or oneself.

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