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As anyone of drinking age will be able to tell you, the gin craze has swept through South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, with an energy and creativity that has won the public over. The versatile spirit has proven to be the ideal medium to express the botanical and fruit flavours of South Africa – from rooibos tea to rose petals, single varietal citrus, spices and even fynbos leaves!
Bookings for the Cape Town Gin Tour are now open, and are set to be the hottest ticket in town this Winter. This full day, immersive gin experience will see locals and visitors delve into the world of local artisan gins, spending the day learning, tasting and making their own spirit. Starting and ending at the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, gin lovers will begin their day at 10h00, learning about the fundamentals of this popular spirit at New Harbour Distillery, before trying their hand at making their own, bespoke bottle of gin, which will serve as a personal reminder of the day.
After a short stop to refuel with lunch, the tour then heads to Hope on Hopkins Distillery, followed by visits to the Woodstock Gin Company, Pienaar & Son Distilling Company in the city centre, and finally, the Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company, before returning to the hotel at approximately 17h15.
Image courtesy of The Pepperclub Hotel
Introducing the Cape Town Gin Route, an interactive guided tour of distilleries in and around Cape Town city centre. Distilleries such as Hope on Hopkins, Musgrave Gin, the Woodstock Gin Company, New Harbour Distillery, Pienaar & Son and the Cape Town Gin Company are all onboard for the full-day tour.
With food and drink a strong feature of most attractions in the Cape region, it was a natural progression to start The Cape Town Gin Route to celebrate the gins of the city. Says General Manager of the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, Efi Ella, “As a proudly inner-city hotel, we saw this as an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional gin that is being produced locally – which, we would argue is even better that its international counterparts.”
THE CAPE TOWN GIN ROUTE
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Ella continued,” We are honoured to be associated with these incredible distilleries and provide a platform where users can plan their own journey of gin discovery, that is likely right on their doorstep”.With over 20 exceptional gins available for tasting and purchase, from six distilleries within six kilometers, the route brings together some of Cape Town’s best known labels. More distilleries and gin-centric locations are rumoured to be added the route in the coming months.
Image courtesy of The Pepperclub Hotel
The details
When: Every Tuesday, Thursday and the first and third Saturday of each month
Where: Starting and ending at the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa in Loop Street in Cape Town
Times: Leaving the hotel at 09h30 and returning at approximately 17h15
What is included: A hands-on gin workshop where you’ll learn about the history of the spirit, discover botanicals and make your own bottle of gin, a tour booklet for tasting notes, tastings at five distilleries – including one gin and snack pairing, luxury transport for the day, secure parking for your vehicle. All extras for guests’ own account.
The cost: R1 490 per person
To book: Please email Candice.b@pepperclub.co.za
The fine print: Minimum of four people required for a tour to proceed, maximum of eight people can be accommodated. Bookings need to be made at least 48 hours in advance. Only available to visitors over the age of 18.
Get in touch with the Cape Town Gin Route online, or through Facebook and Instagram.
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