Award-winning Wilderer Distillery has launched their first uniquely South African Fynbos Gin. This latest offering is a first gin by Helmut Wilderer, viewed as the father of craft distillation in South Africa. To date, Helmut’s wide range of craft spirits, including grappa, liqueur and eaux de vie, have been awarded with over 60 of the most prestigious international medals.

The Wilderer Fynbos Gin is a reflection of the Cape floral kingdom, a product of Helmut’s 20 years’ experience in distilling unique South African botanicals. The gin is a bouquet of 27 botanicals, including Buchu, Honeybush, Devil’s Claw and Wild Dagga, made from the finest wine spirit.

“The recipe was developed over the last 18 months, with the idea being that we wanted to create a gin of unique character, with a complex flavor profile and wide spectrum of aromas,” said Helmut.

Helmut and his son Christian moved to South Africa from Germany and brought with them the most high-tech, custom-built copper pot still. Recent international trends have led to many more craft distilleries in South Africa, but Wilderer was the first to obtain a private distilling license in South Africa in 1995. Wilderer produces approximately 100 bottles of the Fynbos Gin per batch. The elegant 500 ml corked bottle, sold in stylishly branded white packaging, makes an ideal gift for someone with exclusive taste.

Wilderer Fynbos Gin can be enjoyed neat, with quality tonic water or in a cocktail. Preferably with a mint leaf, lemon or naartjie peel. South African-born Michelin starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen cooked with it at his book launch at Emperors Palace.

Purchase Wilderer Fynbos Gin is at the Wilderer Distillery at Spice Route in Paarl, and is also in selected Makro and Pick and Pay retail outlets. It is also available online from Yuppiechef and Norman Goodfellows.

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