A distillery is a facility where alcoholic beverages, such as spirits, are produced through the process of distillation – the method of heating a liquid mixture to create vapor and then cooling that vapor to create a liquid again. A wide range of spirits with varying flavors, aromas, and characteristics can be produced, depending on the ingredients used and the distillation process. We name a few well-known, premium Cape Town distilleries, along with the spirits they are best known for.
Types of Spirits
- Whiskey, a spirit made from fermented grain mash, which can include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. It is then aged in wooden barrels to develop its flavor.
- Vodka, a neutral spirit typically made from grains or potatoes. It undergoes multiple distillations to achieve a smooth and clean taste.
- Rum, a spirit made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or sugarcane juice. It is usually aged in oak barrels to add complexity to its flavor.
- Gin is a spirit flavored with botanicals, such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels. It is distilled with these botanicals to infuse their flavors into the spirit.
- Agave Spirit – a distilled beverage made from the core of a specific variety of agave plant. NOTE: Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant primarily in the region of Tequila, Mexico. The agave plants are roasted, fermented, and distilled to produce tequila. No one can manufacture an agave spirit and call it tequila, outside of Mexico.
Premium Cape Town Distilleries
Hope Distillery is located in Cape Town, and is known for producing premium craft spirits using locally sourced botanicals. The line-up includes gin, vodka, rum and agave (made from the core of a specific variety of agave plant) – all distilled with a passion for quality and innovation. Visit Hope Distillery to purchase the whole selection of spirits. You can also place an order through an online store if you are unable to visit (for delivery inside South Africa).
Distillery – open Monday to Friday for enquiries & bottle sales
Cocktail Lounge & Tastings – private events & tastings, by appointment
https://www.hopedistillery.co.za/
Woodstock Gin Company, based in the vibrant neighborhood of Woodstock, specializes in creating small-batch, artisanal gins that capture the essence of Cape Town’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. Their range of gins appeal to both traditional gin lovers and those looking for innovative flavors.
Tastings & Signature Cocktails – walk-ins welcome between 11am & 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
NOTE: distillery is closed on Mondays and Sundays
Gin Blending Classes – bookings essential
https://www.woodstockginco.co.za/
Pienaar & Son Distilling Co.
A small artisan distillery in Cape Town whose makers are constantly searching for new and innovative methods to produce and market premium, modern handcrafted spirits, by combining science and art.
Gin Making Experience at the Gin School – ideal for Date Nights, Anniversaries, Birthdays and other special occasions. Bookings Only.
Tastings – gin, vodka & whisky – by appointment only (no walk-ins)
https://pienaarandson.co.za/
Cape of Storms Distilling Co.
Introducing their very own craft rum to Cape Town, with the objective to combine concepts from all around the world to produce exquisite rums that are unmatched. No artificial flavourings, chemicals, or sweeteners are included. Double distillation gives the rum a silky finish, and enables you to enjoy it straight, in your preferred cocktail, or mixed with your preferred mixer.
Rum Tasting & Tour of Distillery (on-alcoholic mixer and beverage options also available) – bookings essential.
https://capeofstormsdistillery.com/
Deep South Distillery
The Deep South Distillery is the southernmost distillery on the Cape Peninsula, with a focus on handcrafted, small-batch spirits, and flavour and aroma experiments. The major offerings are vodka, rum, and gin (some having won awards), as well as absinthe and bitters.
Tastings, Distillery Tours – bookings essential
Product Sales – Online Shop
https://www.deepsouthdistillery.co.za/
Innocent Spirits Distillery
The Innocent Spirits Distillery is the only way to explore the world of superb South African rum. Located in the centre of the energetic Cape Town, their mission is to create unique rum that exquisitely captures the diverse range of South African customs and tastes. The distillery produces handcrafted, premium rums and gins that have won awards.
Rum & Gin Tastings, and unique distillery tour
Rum and Gin Tasting Hours – Saturdays, or by appointment
Open Monday to Friday, Sundays and public holidays by appointment only
https://www.innocentspirits.com/rum-tastings-cape-town/
