Better known for its wines, the business of spirit making is taking off in South Africa.
South Africa's spirit makers —
Better known for its wines, the business of spirit making is taking off in South Africa.
Launched in 2009, Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky was the first single grain whisky to come from South Africa, meaning it is the product of one grain distillery. The drink won the title of World's Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards.
Award-winning tipple —
Launched in 2009, Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky was the first single grain whisky to come from South Africa, meaning it is the product of one grain distillery. The drink won the title of World's Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards.
The James Sedgwick Distillery
Two hours north of Cape Town, distiller Jeff Green makes the first single grain whiskey in South Africa, the award winning "Bain's Mountain Whisky."
Drink testing —
Two hours north of Cape Town, distiller Jeff Green makes the first single grain whiskey in South Africa, the award winning "Bain's Mountain Whisky."
Diane McCarthy/CNN
The James Sedgewick Distillery in Wellington was established in 1886 and is named after Captain James Sedgwick. Unlike most, this distillery produces both malt and grain whiskies on the same site.
Brewing up a storm —
The James Sedgewick Distillery in Wellington was established in 1886 and is named after Captain James Sedgwick. Unlike most, this distillery produces both malt and grain whiskies on the same site.
Master Distiller, Andy Watts is the sixth manager to hold the title since the distillery was founded in the 1800s. The former professional cricketer from England started working at the distillery in 1990.
A master's art —
Master Distiller, Andy Watts is the sixth manager to hold the title since the distillery was founded in the 1800s. The former professional cricketer from England started working at the distillery in 1990.
The James Sedgwick Distillery
It is in these copper pot stills, built by Forsyth's of Scotland, that the whisky "wash" goes through double distillation.
Making of —
It is in these copper pot stills, built by Forsyth's of Scotland, that the whisky "wash" goes through double distillation.
The James Sedgwick Distillery
The whisky is stored in wooden casks as it matures. It is during this stage that the whisky takes on new flavors and aromas. As the wood is porous, 3-5% of the whisky is drunk by the barrel or lost to evaporation. This is referred to as the angels' share.
Drinking angels —
The whisky is stored in wooden casks as it matures. It is during this stage that the whisky takes on new flavors and aromas. As the wood is porous, 3-5% of the whisky is drunk by the barrel or lost to evaporation. This is referred to as the angels' share.
The James Sedgwick Distillery
In 2012 Three Ships Whisky, which is made at the James Sedgewick Distillery, was awarded the title of World's Best Blended Whisky at the Whisky Magazine's '2012 World's Best Whiskies' competition. It was the first time a South African blend won this category.
International accolade —
In 2012 Three Ships Whisky, which is made at the James Sedgewick Distillery, was awarded the title of World's Best Blended Whisky at the Whisky Magazine's '2012 World's Best Whiskies' competition. It was the first time a South African blend won this category.
The James Sedgwick Distillery
Brandy makers KWV are based in Paar in the Western Cape. At the 2014 Veritas Awards, the wine and spirits producer won the Best Producer award for a 4th consecutive year -- a first for a South African producer.
Big brandy makers —
Brandy makers KWV are based in Paar in the Western Cape. At the 2014 Veritas Awards, the wine and spirits producer won the Best Producer award for a 4th consecutive year -- a first for a South African producer.
Independent spirits producer Roger Jorgensen makes gin, absinthe and vodka. He says the Western Cape is "like a growth paradise" when it comes to aromatic plants and herbs.
Growth climate —
Independent spirits producer Roger Jorgensen makes gin, absinthe and vodka. He says the Western Cape is "like a growth paradise" when it comes to aromatic plants and herbs.