Double gold at gin awards just the tonic
Inspired by nature and made to benefit it, Guardian African Gin of Gin & Co in White River was awarded a double gold at the SA Craft Gin Awards, Africa’s largest gin competition.
Gin & Co director/distiller’s Tanya Cruse was raised in the Kruger National Park which has brought conservation close to her heart, and in turn led to the creation of this tipple.
“I approached SANParks about two years ago with the concept of crafting a custom gin recipe for the organisation to assist their fundraising efforts.”
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Once the concept was approved, it took many months of paperwork and designing, but the end result was clearly worth gold.
“I have used as many botanicals in the gin that are local to our surroundings and the Kruger such as orange and lemon zest, baobab and spekboom, to name a few.”
Aside from winning an overall category, double gold is the highest recognition attainable in the competition. Out of hundreds of entries, 26 gins received this.
Among these names was another one for Cruse called KMD Gin. This win is a first for Gin & Co and Cruse said she is “over the moon”.
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“I would never have gotten this far if it was not for the amazing support from my family, friends, liquor stores, restaurants, lodges, hotels, corporates and our community.”
