Cape Fynbos Gin

Profile: Cape Fynbos Gin at a glance

• South African Origin: Inspired by the unique Fynbos region at the Cape
• Small Production: Handcrafted distillation in 40-liter batches
• Fine Botanicals: With cloves, white pepper, and wild Fynbos
• International Roots: Developed by Helmut Wilderer from Karlsruhe
• Long Development: Over 100 test distillations before the first bottle
• Gold Medal Winner at the Merit Wine & Spirit Challenge 2022
• Double Gold Winner at the International Wine & Spirits Awards Michelangelo 2020
• Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Awards Michelangelo 2017

Portrait: What makes the Cape Fynbos Gin special

When a Karlsruhe distiller decides to pack his bags and start a new chapter in South Africa, it seems that not only wanderlust but also gin comes out of it. Helmut Wilderer – distiller and restaurateur – has found his new home in South Africa. And as is often the case with true pioneers, the idea of ​​a special gin wouldn't let him go. The result of this creative emigration story: Cape Fynbos Gin. The recipe isn't a quick fix, but rather a bit of a patience game with alcohol.
For a full 18 months, at "The Grape Grinder," they tried, tested, discarded, redistilled, and tried again. Over a hundred test distillations later—you can just picture the stacks of notes—the moment finally arrived: the first bottle was filled. Probably accompanied by a relieved, "Now it's perfect!" Cape Fynbos Gin is distilled in collaboration with the renowned Wilderer Distillery in Paarl.
There, small, exquisite batches of just forty liters are produced from the finest white spirits. Forty liters! That's less than many a homebrewer produces in their basement – ​​only with considerably more South African sunshine in its heart.

The gin owes its name, by the way, to the “Fynbos”, a unique flora around the Cape of Good Hope. And this connection to the region is reflected in the selection of botanicals: cloves, white pepper, honey, orange peel, and of course, wild fynbos find their way into the copper stills.
A small botanical world tour that begins in Paarl and ends in the bottle. Cape Fynbos Gin is therefore not just a drink, but a German-South African success story – born from meticulous experimentation, a dash of adventure, and the courage to travel halfway around the world for a good idea.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Cape Fynbos Gin tastes like

• Nose: Clear and balanced with distinct herbal aromas. These are complemented by hints of orange essence and a noticeable, but not overpowering, spiciness of cloves. Wild honey provides a subtle sweetness in the background. Fynbos contributes a characteristic, herbaceous freshness, accompanied by a hint of white pepper.

• Palate: Very soft and rounded on the palate. The herbs are prominent, complemented by subtle citrus notes of orange. Cloves add structure and spice without being overpowering. Wild honey provides a pleasant balance, while fynbos lends the gin its distinctive character. White pepper adds a subtle, slightly spicy accent.
• Finish: Medium to long, smooth and clean. Herbal and spice notes fade slowly, accompanied by a delicate sweetness and a dry, slightly spicy finish.