Let’s start with a little history…
Did you know that the earliest version of gin originated in Holland in the 11th Century? A Dutch doctor discovered he could use the healing power of juniper berries to create a medicinal elixir (called Genever), to help fight fever and the plague. As well as its therapeutic benefits, Genever (or gin) was also given to Dutch soldiers to help them ‘feel brave’. This certainly brings an understanding to the phrase, ‘Dutch Courage’, doesn’t it?!
From here, gin became a very popular drink in England… and when the British occupied India in the 19th Century, they drank Indian Tonic Water to help prevent Malaria. To mask the bitterness, they added Gin — and VOILA! Born was the famous G&T that we still enjoy today!
World Gin Day is celebrated globally on the second Saturday of June every year (so put 10 June 2023 in your calendar folks). The idea is to bring people together and raise a glass to the brilliant spirit that is GIN! (And being that I’m half Dutch and half Indian — I feel I owe it to my ancestors to participate… not that I ever need an excuse)!
Luckily for us, we’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to gin distilleries here in SA. Just take a look at the list below to see why…
CITY
Red Hen Gin – Frederick Street
Prohibition Liquor Co – Gilbert Street
Image Credit :: Prohibition Liquor Co
Heaps Good Gin – Pasadena
Australian Distilling Co – Hackney
Kangaroo Island Spirits – Cygnet River
36 Short – Virginia
Image Credit :: 36 Short
Sinclair Distillery – Colonel Light Gardens
Reform – Kent Town
Blend Etiquette Craft Distillery – Bedford Park
Little Juniper Distilling – Stonyfell
WEST
Threefold Distilling – Glenelg East
Imperial Measures Distilling – Thebarton
Image Credit :: Imperial Measures Distilling
Three Little Birds Distilling – Mile End
HILLS
Ambleside Distillers – Hahndorf
78 Degrees Distillery – Hay Valley
Applewood Distillery – Gumeracha
Route 9 Distillery – Balhannah
Image Credit :: Route 9 Distillery
FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Settlers Spirits – McLaren Vale
Prohibition Liquor Co – McLaren Vale
Ginny Pig Distillery – McLaren Vale
Never Never Distilling Co – McLaren Vale
Image Credit :: Never Never Distilling Co
Mount Compass Spirits – Mount Compass
Encounter Coast Spirits – Victor Harbour
BAROSSA VALLEY
Barossa Distilling Company – Nuriootpa
Two Accents Gin – (Currently no Cellar Door)
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers – Marananga
Spiritato Distillers – Lyndoch
RIVERLAND
23rd Street Distillery – Renmark
Image Credit :: 23rd Street Distillery
