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KNYSNA BUSINESS NEWS - The Knysna Gin Distillery hosted its much anticipated grand opening on Friday 30 November, when dozens of people were treated to a host of speciality cocktails and the highly regarded Knysna Gin.
Owners Rion and Kay Merryweather recently converted what was a parking garage in the industrial area into the premises for the distillery, which also features tables and seating, a bar and an outdoor section.
The business distils its own craft gin – traditionally in an alembic copper pot still and made with nine natural botanicals, such as honeybush from the Crags, almonds from Sedgefield and most notably num num berries – the Knysna loerie's favourite. They also use spring water from the Witteberg Mountains, and put the gin through a 12-hour vapour-infused distillation process before it is left to rest for up to 30 days.
It is these ingredients that make Knysna Gin a proudly local product.
Tours and tastings
Kay Merryweather said the distillery can host tours and tastings daily, can be booked for private functions and that daily happy hours do apply. “We initially distilled as a hobby,” recalls Kay – who lived with Rion in New York for 12 years before moving to Knysna. “Rion was out one day buying gin as a birthday gift for his father, and he saw this whole range of exciting South Africans gins. but none from Knysna. He slyly suggested that there needs to be a Knysna gin and luckily his father agreed."
They experimented with flavours and recipes, perfected the process and refined a high-quality product that is "pleasant" on the palate.
The distillery recently received its micro-manufacturing liquor licence, which was followed by their grand opening.
“We are also very excited about Cocktail Fridays at Knysna Distillery,” says Kay, adding that a trained mixologist will be on premises on Fridays for the cocktails.
“We have really tasty cocktails which have been named after local attractions,” says Kay. These include the Noetzie Castles, Stormsriver, Buffelsbaai, Leisure Isle and Nature's Valley. The business will soon offer light meals as well.
The Knysna Gin Distillery is situated at 5 Uil Street, Knysna Industria, and hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 17:00. Daily happy hour is 16:00 to 17:00.
Friday night cocktails: 16:00 - 22:00.
Find out more
For more information regarding tours and private functions contact 081 722 2715.
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