Unique SA gins holding their own

THERE is no disputing the fact gin is one of the trendiest and most popular spirits to drink on the rocks, with a mixer, or in a cocktail. While it’s peaking worldwide, South Africa is producing more and more gins unique to our country.

Job Jovo, gin connoisseur and sommelier at the President Hotel in Bantry Bay, says this is because of the abundance of fynbos and indigenous plants such as rooibos and African ginger which local distillers favour when making their gins, and which infuse them with flavours and botanicals not found anywhere else.

Jovo has put together a fine selection of South African gins, which can be ordered any way you like, as well as a menu of cocktails ranging from classic with a twist, to modern signature drinks. For example, the President Sunset is made with Woodstock gin, blue curaçao, grenadine, and yellow nut liqueur. It’s a vividly rainbow-coloured drink

The first thing I had to do was have a martini, which,when made properly (extra dry, with a twist) is almost pure gin and allows the taste to shine. Jovo also sent out a Gin Fizz (made with Woodstock gin), and a kiwi and mint G&T (using Blaauwklippen’s Triple 3 African Botanicals), both of which were wonderfully light and refreshing – perfect to be enjoyed poolside as the sun sets on a hot afternoon.

A side note: you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to use the pool facilities, and a dedicated gin bar on the upper pool deck is being planned.

Later, Jovo brought out several bottles for us to taste individually and compare. This kind of thing is not for the faint of heart. Many people – myself included – perceive gin to be a summer drink, but Jovo educated us otherwise. Cruxland, for example, is spicier, fuller and more structured, taking it into the realm of cooler weather.

Put this together with beautiful platters of food (climaxing with a truly decadent symphony of chocolate desserts) paired with wines recommended by Jovo, before we knew it, it was dark and well past 8pm and I was trading cigarettes with an attorney for free legal advice. In other words, a perfect Friday.

The President Hotel is at 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, telephone 021 434 8111. For more information, see www.presidenthotel.co.za.

PICTURE: BIANCA COLEMAN Kiwi and mint G&T.