There are a plethora of amazing local craft gins on the market and so it makes sense that gin lovers would want to mix their drink with the best tonic water. Enter Barker and Quin, a locally conceptualised and made range of premium craft tonic waters.

This journey starts with two individuals, Hanneli van der Merwe and Chris Wium, who believed in something and followed it through. Lots of hard work and loads of interesting tales later, Barker and Quin became South Africa’s first premium craft tonic water.

What’s in a name?

For a start, Barker and Quin is a word play on bark and quinine. Quinine, the main ingredient in tonic water, is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Chinchona tree, which grows mainly in South America and Central Africa.

This was then pulled into the true history of John Ross. He was an English sailor who was stranded at Port Natal in 1827 with his ship “The Mary”, after which he had to survive the Natal jungle.

It is believed that Barker, the plucky Fox terrier and Quin, the wise parrot were his companions during these trying times… (wink-wink, nudge-nudge).

The beautiful and unique sketches on the Barker and Quin label sets this brand apart from all the other tonic products and makes them proudly South African.

What makes Barker and Quin Special?

Barker and Quin have gone to great lengths to produce tonic waters from natural ingredients and using mountain spring water. Their Indian and Light tonic waters support the flavours of the gin they are each paired with and serve as the best accompaniment when you are serious about tasting a special gin.

When you are in the mood to have fun with mixing, they offer three different infused tonic waters namely; Hibiscus, Honeybush and Marula tonic. The latter of the three being very uniquely South African, underpinning the fact that these guys are very passionate about what South Africa offers in terms of flavours.

Where can you find these premium tonics?

Barker and Quin tonics are stocked in most retailers and bottle stores. At their store in Klapmuts (very close to the N1 off-ramp) anything and everything Barker and Quin is sold, as well as their non-alcoholic spirit, John Ross Virgin Distilled Botanicals. They also offer walk-in tastings for individuals and tasting functions for bigger groups through pre-booking.

What to expect next from Barker and Quin

The team are working on getting their new mixers to the market. Keeping to their process of being natural and using mountain spring water, they will be introducing a Soda Water, Cape Lemon, Raspberry and Ginger Ale in the near future.

‘We are all about begin natural and refreshing, staying unique and true to our craft’ Hanneli van der Merwe

Contact Details

Unit 2, Simonsberg Business Park, Klapmuts
Shop hours: 09:00-13:00 Weekdays | Closed on Holidays | Open on weekends for group bookings – please email to book (Gisela Sonnendecker).

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