Gin Renaissance
The Grand Palm Casino Resort held its second annual experience. Held at the Fig Tree, the event is slowly awakening local Gin enthusiasts. Experts have observed how in recent years, it appeared that Gin was not gaining the same momentum like other spirits such as Vodka. But of late, it is catching up to its competitors. The Grand Palm Casino Resort event, dubbed Gin Experience was such a welcome development. Not only did it cater to expert Gin collectors and those whose palette is familiar to the diverse and eclectic flavour of Gin in different taste, but the event also somewhat catered to those in their debut.
Gin was first made in the Middle- ages, as a medicine, that’s right. And incredibly, while it is now rarely used as a medicine, this drink has grown over the years. On offer at the Saturday event, organisers had partnered with a number of local suppliers including, Fine Brands, Okavango Gin, Distell, SMC, The Bartender, Benju, Lengau wines as well as Peermont Gin, and in total there were around twenty Gin brands that were on offer, catering to the diverse palette of the Gin lovers.
Those who were thirsty were spoilt for choice. Okavango Gin, was founded in 2018, and is made from Mopane seed, which is said to have a trace of a type of Juniper ( which gives the
Gin the sharp, pine, and resinous flavour), the core ingredient in Gins. For those who were sampling the Okavango Gin for the first time, it was a breath of fresh air, even for those who are not avid Gin lovers.
It was breathtaking to have a sip of locally made products, which were equally as good as all other brands on offer. This was definitely one of the highlights for the day.
Another Gin which was a must try for everyone happened to be Unit 43. We are told that this is/ was the only Gin at the event that has had numerous awards.
The Gin is supplied by The Bartender, located at the Molapo Crossing complex. The company is the supplier of some of the Craft Gins, which can only be found at their shop locally. Not only is the packaging and the bottle on a different level, but once you open the bottle, you get to see why this South African brand is breaking records. Still relatively new in the market, having been established in 2018, it has several top prestigious awards under its belt. These include being voted Best in Africa ( The Guide Gin UK) in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
It has also won Gold in the San Francisco Spirit Awards 2022, been bestowed with the Winner Design and Branding ( The Gin Guide UK) 2021, as well as Gold award in the South African Craft Gin Awards for 2019, and 2020. Clearly, there is something clean and fresh about this Gin as evidenced by these multiple awards. This reporter is not really big on adult beverages, but was blown away by what those who enjoyed this Gin had to say. She too could not be left out, and had one or two sips to see what the fuss was all about. And indeed, it is not difficult to see why many are singing praises about it.
In a brief interview, Kabo Moitoi from The Bartender explains that Unit 43 is best known for its classic and wooded flavours. He also explains the company prides itself in being the best when it comes to making the hard stuff.
“It is classic, and it has aromas of juniper, fresh florals, citrus, and aromatic spice. It has the juniper and sweet citrus on the palette with lavender and rose. And it is best known for its finish of pepper spice leading into warming allspice and cinnamon,” he notes.
He further notes that the wooded Juniper flavour, as well as a peppery citrus notes from coriander and paradise maintains predominant characters.
Most importantly, he shares that it is packaged in a pottery clay black bottle and wrapped with printed recycled paper.
He also explains that another Gin which they showcased was the ClemGold, made from Clemengold oranges and it was another hit. This one has an aromatic soft citrus fruit that is sun ripened and hand picked by selected growers from across the world. “Gin has a very strong citrus forward nose. It has juicy orange with only vague subtle hints of spice along the edges,” he notes.
Another supplier who proved to be a hit was Lengau Wines, who had a number of Gins including Ginato, comprising of five flavours as well as Gunpowder Drum ( from the Trueman and Orange company), Hendricks ( from William and Grants), as well as five flavours of 48 Gin. Interestingly with 48 Gin, it is how some were literally blown away by the Ivory Flavour ( packaged in a white bowl), and was one of the first products to be finished on the evening. In fact, by 1800hrs, Lengau Wines literally had depleted all of its stock for the day.
Another favourite at the event happened to be the Peermont Gins which included RLX, EXC, and Amber, paired with Maungo Craft Premium Syrup. The EXC was particularly a delight, even for those who are still new to the Gin game. That cocktail was everything, and one could literally have more than one glass. While some Gins have strong flavours, the sweetness from the syrup really changed the flavour, to fresh and smooth.
However, what was missing from this event was just leisurely chats about the various Gins on offer, led by the organisers, or suppliers. Beyond the tasting coupons and moving from one stall to another, sampling the various options on offer, newbies could have used the brief chats to hear and learn, so that they too can become part of the converted.