Red Stone Craft Gin: An Authentic Orchard-to-Bottle Delight from Clarens, South Africa
In the heart of South Africa nestled amidst the captivating Rooiberge or Red Mountains, lies the picturesque village of Clarens. Surrounded by fertile soils that yield a bounty of delicious fruits. Red Stone Craft emerged, paying homage to the very essence of its birthplace. This craft distillery is the brainchild of Stephan Meyer, the visionary brewer behind Clarens Brewery, whose passion for distilling and fermenting fruits has resulted in a range of exquisite products that captivate the senses and celebrate the essence of South African flavors.
Gin Craftsmanship
Red Stone Craft takes pride in its Orchard-to-Bottle approach, meticulously crafting each batch of Gin with utmost care and dedication. It all begins with the harvest of succulent apples from surrounding farms, which are then transformed into cider through a careful fermentation process. This apple schnapps of unrivaled quality forms the foundation for their exceptional gin.
Using a harmonious blend of locally sourced herbs and botanicals, with juniper at its core, the cider is infused resulting in a rich and smooth flavor profile. The gin is distilled once more in their bespoke Gin still, capturing only the highest-quality, most balanced runnings. The end product is a crystal-clear gin, boasting an inviting bouquet of fruits and juniper that lingers delicately on the palate. The subtle sweetness of berries harmonizes with the earthy tranquility, leaving a warm, comforting sensation, reflective of its South African heritage.
Tasting Notes
Red Stone Craft Gin comes in three delectable variants; Classic, Blueberry, and Brambleberry. Each of these exudes its unique charm, making for a truly captivating experience. When indulging in the Classic variant, a garnish of lemon enhances the fruitiness, while cucumber invites exploration into the gin’s earthy tones. For the Blueberry and Brambleberry variants, a hint of sweet citrus complements the flavors, delivering an extra fruit punch that leaves taste buds dancing with delight.
Beyond the Bottle
Red Stone Craft’s dedication to perfection extends beyond their handcrafted gins. For gin enthusiasts on the go, their ready-to-drink G&T pre-mixes offer an easy way to savor the refreshing taste anywhere. Blending their fruit-infused gin with craft tonic and juices, the pre-mixes are available in a variety of delicious flavors, perfect for picnics or sunny summer days.
Not to be forgotten, Red Stone Craft also caters to non-alcoholic seekers of indulgence. Their alcohol-free sparkling G&T range features three delightful options that promise the same refreshing experience without compromising on taste. Served over ice with a garnish of choice, these alcohol-free alternatives celebrate the spirit of gin.
The Craft Beyond Gin
While gin remains the shining star of Red Stone Craft, the distillery also offers a diverse selection of other craft products. Their pure, additive-free fruit ciders, born from a love for cider and locally sourced apples, delight the senses with classic apple cider and tantalizing flavors like cherry, berry, and pineapple. Additionally, their fruit liqueurs, available in cherry, apple, berry, apricot, and quince, offer a delightful complement to any occasion.
Red Stone Craft stands as a beacon of South African craftsmanship, a testament to the bountiful fruits nurtured by the Rooiberge. From their authentic Orchard-to-Bottle gin to a range of other delectable craft products, this distillery takes pride in celebrating the flavors and essence of South Africa. Whether seeking a refreshing gin and tonic, a taste of fruit ciders, or a smooth fruit liqueur, Red Stone Craft delivers an experience that is both locally inspired and internationally celebrated. As the sun sets behind the majestic Rooiberge, let your taste buds be carried away on a journey of authentic South African flavors, courtesy of Red Stone Craft.
