WeeklySA_AdminRAINBOW: Whitley Neill gin boasts seven unique flavours in a kaleidoscope of colours…
By Len Maseko
The gin craze that has spawned more than 100 locally produced variants of the genre in the past decade never ceases to amaze with new entries and variants from established brands.
From a renaissance that began in 2015 and saw a proliferation of 65 distillers and 135 gins, South Africa’s incurable gin romantics have never been spoiled more for choice. Amid the abundance, they must feel like a mosquito in a nudist camp saddled with a happy dilemma of where to start feasting amid a surfeit of flesh in all earthly forms.
Equally, the myriad distillers that mushroomed like wildfire in South Africa’s gin-scape in recent years find themselves in pretty much similarly blessed – with a world’s envy of gorgeous and abundant wild botanicals waiting to be foraged to craft varied recipes for their gin creations. Thanks to the stunning kingdom of fauna and flora, for which South Africa is renowned, and which straddles coastlines and mountains – embarrassing riches of biodiversity to be infused into the distilled liquid treasure of their taste.
Somewhere in the sconce of the country’s gin-distilling landscape lurks an old timer of note – in the ilk of Whitley Neill gin range, which traces its origins to ancient Europe.
With a lineage from London enriched by the expertise of eight generations of distillers, Whitley Neill sums its journey as a life-long love of adventure, inspired by Africa and the world. Locally distilled in small batches, the award-winning gin range consists of seven unique variants catering for every taste to enjoy in a classic G&T or experimental cocktail.
Whitley’s range include Raspberry, Blackberry, Blood Orange, and Lemongrass & Ginger flavours that draw inspiration from Scotland, England, Sicily and Asia. The three other variants are the Original London dry-style gin, Protea & Hibiscus, and Aloe & Cucumber gins – all gracefully endowed with an exquisitely smooth, balanced, African-inspired palate infused with of a selection of rare and aromatic local botanicals.
Craft gins are peculiarly distinguishable by their velvety smooth, rich bouquet of botanicals and delectably genial poise, a quality that beckons a neat shot – or but can be even better either with a mixer only (as in G & T) or choice of opulently infused cocktail, where the spirit might be overwhelmed by the avalanche of the ingredients.
The Original – which received Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the 2022 London Spirits Competition – oozes with the rich fragrance of Cape gooseberries and the tart notes of baobab fruit, both a pleasure to the nose and instant come-one to a duly primed palate. Its soft and smooth palette pops with notes of juniper and citrus which instantly gift that taste buds with a swathe of seductive relish – followed by a savoury and dry finish that beckons a second swig.
As for the Protea & Hibiscus edition, it introduces itself to the nose with an explosion of aromas unmistakably reminiscent of the two botanicals that adorn its title, paying its homage to the beauty of Africa’s landscape that gave it its distinct quality.
Seducing the eye with its purple haze, it aptly embodies the American proverb, “what the eye can’t see, the heart won’t crave”. Utterly smooth with barely decipherable alcohol fervour, it can hide its punch deceptively – all with the stealth of leopard approaching its unsuspecting prey – yet a pleasure to enjoy as a sundowner in the gaze of the orange sunset ultimately.
FACT FILE
MOST COMMON FOUR GIN CATEGORIES
FLORAL: Chamomile, bay leaf and orris root.
SPICY: Ginger, coriander seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, lemongrass and angelica seeds.
WOODY: Angelica root, liquorice and nutmeg.
CITRUS: Bergamot, bitter orange and pink grapefruit.
events
JOZI & DURBS WINE GIGS
Southern Sun’s two upcoming wine tasting events promise to be an unforgettable adventure for the palates of Joburg and Durban wine lovers.
The shows, which feature top wines from the 2022 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, will take place at Southern Sun Rosebank in Johannesburg on April 21 and 22 as well as in uMhlanga Garden Court in Durban on May 26 and 27.
The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards boast both international and local judges are hand-picked from five different continents.
The line-up comprises a comprehensive selection of South African premium wine brands, including: Vondeling, The Johannesburg Distilling Company, Bon Courage, Thor Vintners, Le Pommier, Mountain Ridge, Premier Pure Fusion, Holden Manz, Nitida, Aslina Wines, De Bosch Farm, Durbanville Hill, Nederburg, Simonsig, Private Collection, Niel Joubert Wines, Hoopenburg Wines, Lourensford Wines and Babylonstoren Wines.
These renowned cellars and distilleries will exhibit more than 100 wines, spirits, MCC and other sublime creations.
Tickets are available via Computicket, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door (R200).
Wine lovers are invited to make an evening of it with Southern Sun’s special accommodation rates for event ticket holders.
DURBANVILLE SOIRÉE
This year’s celebration of sauvignon blanc and Durbanville Wine Valley’s Sauvignon Soirée takes place in the Durban wine valley in the Western Cape on May 5.
The event will be held at the Cassia Restaurant at Nitida Wine Farm from 5pm to 8pm.
Visitors to the showcase stand to discover a region that is world-renowned for its sauvignon blanc wines.
An added highlight will be the unveiling of the second vintage of the much-anticipated Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc.
The event is hosted in a partnership between 13 producers of the Durbanville Wine Valley and Sauvignon Blanc SA and will offer international expressions for tasting alongside a selection from the valley.
To attend the Sauvignon Soirée, book tickets via Quicket. Tickets cost R200 per person (includes canapes). Visitors wanting to stay for dinner are encouraged to make a reservation by calling 021 976 0640.
For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley, visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za [4] or send an email to info@durbanvillewine.co.za
CONSTANTIA GOES TO JOZI
For two long weekends from 20th to 30th of April 20 to 30, Constantia wine estates will be offering complimentary Sauvignon Blanc tastings at different locations around Gauteng.
One of the events will be held Workshop 17, The Bank Rosebank, in Johannesburg on May 4, from 6pm to 9pm. The evening includes Sauvignon Blanc tastings from nine Constantia wine estates, tucking into eats from the harvest table.
Tickets available through Quicket.
Other tastings to be host by the Constantia Wine Route will be popping up in some of the hotspot locations in Gauteng.
Follow the route’s Instagram page @constantiawineroute to keep up to date with the upcoming tastings!
The Constantia wine estates will also be hosting a Sauvignon Blanc Party at Proud Mary on May 4, from 6pm to 9pm.
The Blow Electroband will be performing on the evening. Tickets are available through Quicket.
