Cape Saint Blaize Distillery: Embracing History and Innovation in Mossel Bay
Welcome to Cape Saint Blaize Distillery, a remarkable artisanal distillery situated in the heart of Mossel Bay, South Africa. Founded in 2020 by JJ Moorcroft, the distillery takes pride in its rich history and aims to celebrate the unique spirit of the region. With a captivating location neighbouring the Dias Museum Complex and a scenic ocean view, Cape Saint Blaize Distillery offers a truly exceptional experience. In this article, we delve into the origins of the distillery, its connection to the historic Mossel Bay, and the innovative approach it takes in crafting its signature gins.
Unveiling Mossel Bay’s Heritage
Mossel Bay holds a special place in history, and Cape Saint Blaize Distillery pays homage to its captivating past. Dating back to February 3, 1488, when Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias made landfall after being washed around the Cape, Mossel Bay was initially known as Saint Blaize. The name Aguada de São Brás, meaning the Watering Place of St. Blaize, was given by Dias to the bay. Interestingly, St. Blaize was renowned as a healer of throat ailments and a protector of wildlife. The distillery is located in the building that forms part of the old post office tree square, a historic landmark in the Southern Cape, built in 1846 as a warehouse and trading station.
The Intersection of Land and Sea
Inspired by his personal experiences as an avid sailor, JJ Moorcroft recognized the emotional significance of sailors making landfall after days spent at sea. These emotions shaped the existence of Mossel Bay and formed the foundation of the Old Post Office Tree Square, where Cape Saint Blaize Distillery proudly stands. The three elements that define the essence of Mossel Bay are water, a place of worship, and communication.
Water
A Symbol of Refreshment and Inspiration Freshwater springs played a vital role in sailors’ lives, providing much-needed refreshments during their voyages. Cape Saint Blaize Distillery continues this tradition by utilizing the abundant fresh water from a spring in the historic Bartolomeu Dias Museum environment in the distillation process of their gin.
Place of Worship
Seeking Solace in Saint Blaize The earliest place of worship in Southern Africa, a chapel dedicated to Saint Blaize, overlooked Santos Beach in Mossel Bay. This chapel served as a sanctuary for sailors, offering them a place of prayer and solace. It is believed that the premises of Cape Saint Blaize Distillery once housed this historic chapel, a hidden treasure yet to be discovered.
Communication
The Power of Connection The Milkwood tree, famously known as The Post Office Tree, played a significant role in communication among sailors. Joao da Nova, a chief magistrate, and captain, discovered a letter in a sailor’s boot hanging from the tree, providing him with news from fellow countrymen. This ancient method of communication through the Milkwood tree embodied the spirit of connection and camaraderie among sailors.
Inspired by the Lighthouse
A Symbol of Hope The Cape Saint Blaize Lighthouse, built in 1864, serves as a beacon of hope and safety for seafarers. It stands proudly on the cliffs of Mossel Bay Peninsula, overlooking the vast ocean. The iconic design of the lighthouse influenced the aesthetic of Cape Saint Blaize Distillery’s bottle, with its diamond-cut windows resembling rays of light shining out from a lighthouse. The lighthouse’s unique flashing pattern of two flashes every 15 seconds adds to its distinctive character, much like each.