Ever heard of a law that’s so outdated it’s almost a joke? In South Africa, there's a quirky rule that forbids adding wine or grape juice to spirits like gin—before or after distillation.
Seriously, can we get an eye-roll emoji here? This might seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, but for creative distillers like Charles Bryant from Six Dogs Distillery, it’s a major roadblock to crafting truly unique spirits.
But guess what? Charles and his team are not ones to be easily deterred. Before diving into their genius workaround, let me paint you a picture of how Pinotage became a Gin Legend
Six Dogs Distillery was born from the imagination of Charles Bryant, his brother Glenn (the marketing guru), and their friend Luigi Marucchi in 2016. Nestled in the picturesque Hex River Valley, just on the edge of the Winelands and the Karoo, the distillery emerged from a shed that once housed their six beloved dogs (hence the name). The setup featured a custom-designed copper still repurposed from an old geyser. From these modest beginnings, Six Dogs quickly blossomed into a world-renowned gin brand that stays true to its roots while reaching across the globe.
Their passion for crafting award-winning gins led to creations like Six Dogs Karoo Gin, the first to feature botanicals from the Karoo; Six Dogs Blue Gin, Africa’s pioneering blue gin; and Six Dogs Honey Lime Gin, a game-changer with its honey infusion.
But let's get back to the subversive twist in the tale...
Pinotage, a grape that’s practically a national treasure in South Africa, was the holy grail that Six Dogs yearned to incorporate into their gin. Developed by crossbreeding the elegant Pinot Noir with the hardy Hermitage, Pinotage is as bold as it is refined. The only problem? South African laws prohibited adding it directly to gin during or after distillation.
Enter the rebel distiller’s masterstroke. Instead of infusing Pinotage grapes during distillation, Charles decided to add hand-selected grapes to the gin post-distillation, allowing the fruit’s essence to seep into the spirit over several months. The result: Six Dogs Pinotage Stained Gin.
This gin is a true maverick, rich in color and bold in flavor, with notes of black cherry, plum, and black currant, rounded off with a hint of tannin. Each year’s batch of grapes brings subtle variations, but the gin’s juniper-forward character remains consistent. It's often compared to grappa, Cognac, or smoky whiskey, and like a fine red wine, its flavors evolve as you sip.
So, how should you enjoy this audacious gin? While it might seem like a summer spirit perfect for sunny days and tonic, Six Dogs Pinotage Stained Gin is equally delightful when sipped neat or on the rocks by a crackling fire on a rainy winter's day. Of course, it’s equally fantastic with a good tonic by the sea or even with rooibos iced tea while lounging on a lilo.
In essence, Six Dogs Pinotage Stained Gin is a versatile spirit that can be dressed up, down, or sideways—whatever suits your fancy. This story is a testament to how a stubborn old law inspired some spirited rebels to break the mold and create something truly extraordinary. Give it a try; you’ll be glad you did.
