Super-weed becomes a super gin in Bronkhorstspruit
A Bronkhorstspruit local turns hyacinths into craft gin and gives back to the cause.
Why waste water hyacinths when you can drink them? Phillip Peach (55) from Bronkhorstspruit is the mastermind behind turning the invasive water hyacinth weed into a delicious, infused craft gin called the Green Monster.
Next to follow will be the Purple Devil. This gin will have a purple tinge similar to the hyacinth flower and will be made by distilling the hyacinth weed.
The best part of this project, besides the gin, is that some of the proceeds from the sales will go to the Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum (BCF) to aid with the removal of this super-weed from the dam.
Peach, who works in construction but is a self-confessed creative, started this project to bring more awareness to the problem of the hyacinths on the Bronkhorstspruit Dam.
“I want to bring people closer to the problem, and thought that if people can ‘see’ it, they will be more inclined to take action,” said Peach.
He began dabbling with a small home distillery years ago, but only when he moved to the Bronkhorstspruit Dam about five years ago did things take off.
“People in smaller rural communities appreciate crafts like these a lot more.”
According to Peach, the biggest challenge he faced when he began his distillery was the trial and error period and, later on, making the move from hobby to business with all that entails.
His initial gins were made in a more sugary distillation process because he added flavours to the mix.
Things evolved when he began using fruits and botanicals, thus creating a better product.
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“Gin or jenever is quite complex. In earlier years, it was used as a medicine.
“The process, however, allows one to be creative because various recipes and types of gins are different from more commercial gins,” explained Peach.
“My biggest achievement lies in the creative process, especially when it turns out better than expected, and seeing people enjoying it. And, of course, helping the cause (hyacinth),” he smiled.
Plans for Peach include making his distillery a part of the Bronkhorstspruit Dam tourism route.
Then tastings can be hosted and people will get to experience flavour and enjoyment.
