South Africa

South Africa’s gin scene is thriving, driven by a passion for craft spirits and a deep connection to the country’s unique botanical landscape. Distillers are embracing local ingredients and artisanal methods to create gins that reflect the biodiversity and creativity of the region.

Inverroche Distillery, based in Still Bay, stands out as a pioneer. It was one of the first to use indigenous fynbos—a diverse group of plants native to the Cape Floral Kingdom—in its gins, resulting in bold, aromatic spirits that taste unmistakably South African.

In Cape Town, Hope Distillery has made a name for itself with its urban craft approach. The distillery focuses on small-batch production and incorporates native botanicals like buchu and kapokbos, adding layers of herbal and earthy complexity to their gins.