Small Batch, Big Heart

True to their motto – “Crafted with pride, poured with pleasure” – and bolstered by a range of outstanding handmade, hand-bottled products like Grey Hawk Classic Craft Gin, the small-batch Qualito Distillery is elevating standards of craft distilling, not just in South Africa, but worldwide.

Two decades ago, Pierre and Loumarie Raubenheimer began pouring their time and passion into crafting infused vodkas, whiskies, gins, and creating boutique cocktails of uncompromising character and quality.

Now in his 40s, Master Distiller Pierre Raubenheimer is a graduate of the University of Pretoria. In his role as a systems specialist at Vodacom, he travelled widely and was able to indulge his growing passion by sampling the best examples of craft distilling wherever he found them. In 2005 he started his own business in Phalaborwa and his dedication to the art of fine distilling was rewarded just one year later with the release of the distillery’s first fine crafted offerings.

Since 2005, Loumarie and Pierre have formed the perfect duet, with Loumarie enhancing Pierre’s fine spirits with innovative combinations of traditional and exceptional modern organics.

Every composition needs a conductor, and Assistant Distiller Mary Noboza was tailor-made for the role. A hard-working mother of four, Mary literally came up from the proverbial “shop floor” to her current key role. Hold up an empty glass, because Mary is currently creating her own brand of beer.

In 2013 they introduced Qualito Craft Vodka infused with litchi, watermelon, and coffee – all enthusiastically received. Lovers of fine spirits can also experience pure Single Grain Heimer Craft Whisky and world-class Grey Hawk Classic Craft Gin, which has even the most exacting connoisseurs raising their glasses in acknowledgment. Splash out on the delicious range of innovative Craft Vodka Infusions and Icy Cool Route 71 Craft Vodka Crush.

Craft distilling is at the heart of the Qualito operation. Quite simply, craft distilling should be judged by the quality of the finished product. The true artisan takes time to master skills that will eventually make them a master craftsman. Pierre puts it this way: “A true craftsperson puts a big part of themselves into what they do. Time. Learning. Creativity. Passion. If I put something special into every bottle, then people will get something special out.”

For more info, visit www.qualito.co.za and contact Marika Graves on +27 72 748 5145 or email info@boomshine.co.za.