WeeklySA_AdminASPIRATION: Newly launched and black-owned, the label made its public debut at last week’s International Spirits and Wine Festival in Joburg…
By Priscilla Malinga
Black people are venturing into spirit and winemaking by the dozen – to stake a claim in the billion-rand South African liquor industry.
This much was obvious at The International Spirits and Wine Festival held at the Nasrec Exhibition centre in Johannesburg last weekend, when blacks made a significant showing among the exhibitors of wine and spirits at the event.
The exhibitors included Somnotho, a spirits company owned by Siphamadla Madlala, who says he didn’t always plan to be a gin maker but saw it as a creative way to manifest his vision of wealth and legacy for his family. His dream aligned with the brand’s name, Somnotho, meaning wealth.
Somnotho Dry gin is crafted using a blend of carefully selected botanicals, combining traditional gin ingredients with unique African components that add a distinct taste. Each ingredient is chosen to reflect a balance between quality and cultural heritage.
Before embarking on the project, Madlala says he researched traditional gin-making methods and sought guidance from other industry experts, integrating this knowledge with his unique vision for a gin that resonates with cultural pride and high standards.
Creating the gin took around a year, from the concept phase to final production. This timeline allowed for careful ingredient selection, recipe experimentation, and distillation to achieve a balanced and memorable flavour.
“Our gin stands out through its unique blend of African botanicals and its connection to Zulu heritage,” says Madlala. The bottle’s animal print design reflects Madlala’s roots in KwaZulu Natal, and the slogan “Taste the Hills” invites people to experience a spirit that is both premium and deeply connected to local culture.
Gin-making is a continuous refinement, he says, pointing out that – while the gin has already reached the shelves – he is still working with the team to perfect it to his standards. This dedication to continuous improvement reflects his commitment to creating a product that not only meets his expectations but also resonates deeply with people.
Though new to the spirits industry, Madlala invested in understanding traditional and modern gin production methods, allowing him to bring a fresh, authentic perspective to the craft. This learning curve is driven by his dedication to quality and cultural significance.
In addition to gin, Somnotho Beverages offers a silver and a gold tequila. Looking forward, the brand aims to expand its range to include champagne and cognac. Each new addition will carry the same focus on quality and luxury, with an emphasis on creating spirits that symbolise power and legacy.
Somnotho gin is very kind to people with a not so strong palate for alcohol. It makes good cocktails and can also be consumed with just ice. It is clear in colour and the bottle is a good symbol of Africanism as it has animal print on it.
The gin’s aromas imbue a sense of barley and apple, and is graced with a delightfully smooth palate. It is a tribute to a dream of a budding entrepreneur entering the competitive world of spirits, not to add to numbers, but to make a contribution towards diversity of offerings.
The gin became available at selected outlets in April this year, and Madlala is planning to expand its footprint.
